State Bank of India, Thoubal Branch, hosted a comprehensive "Gram Choupal" programme at the Community Hall, Khongjom Bazaar, Thoubal District, on 16 December 2025. The event aimed to identify and address grassroots-level issues faced by the local community, focusing on practical and sustainable solutions. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the local community, highlighting strong public interest and engagement in financial awareness and inclusion initiatives.

The programme was graced by Dr. Meitram Uttam Luwang, Lead District Manager (LDM), Thoubal District; Khaidem Rusobanta Singh, Manager, RMRU, SBI RBO Imphal West; Sajid Abil, Deputy Manager and Field Officer, SBI Thoubal Branch; Asem Marshida Chanu, Centre Manager, CRISIL–CFL, Thoubal; and respected and Heikrujam Bijoykumar Singh, local representative  .

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Meitram Uttam Luwang delivered an insightful and structured exposition on the critical role of financial literacy in achieving comprehensive financial inclusion. He lucidly explained how financial awareness acts as a catalyst for empowering citizens and enabling them to effectively access and utilise banking and government-supported financial services.

The participants were sensitised on various banking schemes, with emphasis on their relevance and accessibility for the common public. Detailed guidance was provided on the documents required for opening bank accounts, as well as on Government-supported micro-insurance and micro-pension schemes, including PMSBY, PMJJBY, and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Additionally, loan facilities available to farmers, street vendors, and small entrepreneurs-such as Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PM SVANidhi, and MUDRA loans were explained in depth, along with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and procedural aspects.

The programme also covered Central Government-sponsored subsidy schemes, namely PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, PMFME, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with clear explanations of applicable subsidies, loan components, and interest rates. Participants were further encouraged to avail benefits under the Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme (CMESS) of the Manipur State Government, which offers subsidy support to eligible applicants.

In view of increasing digital adoption, special emphasis was laid on safe usage of banking digital platforms and preventive measures against digital fraud. The audience was cautioned against fraudulent social-media content, including a widely circulated AI Created Deep Fake Facebook video falsely claiming guaranteed returns by depositing ₹26,000, which was categorically clarified as a 100% fraudulent scheme. Citizens were earnestly advised not to trust or engage with such misleading content.

Participants were also guided on the importance of filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) and declaring actual income, highlighting how tax compliance facilitates smoother processing of high-value loan applications and contributes to national infrastructure development such as roads, bridges, and public facilities.

Further, the significance of maintaining a healthy credit score, prudent loan utilisation, and timely repayments was clearly explained. Information was also shared regarding the deposit of ₹2000 denomination notes at RBI-authorised locations, including the RBI office at Pan Bazaar, Guwahati.

Practical guidance was provided on handling and exchanging mutilated or soiled currency notes, and on inculcating the habit of savings through coins and small denominations such as ₹10, ₹20, ₹5, ₹2, ₹1, and 50 paise.

In connection with the ongoing DEAF (Depositor Education and Awareness Fund) campaign, participants were informed about the procedure for claiming balances of inoperative bank accounts dormant for more than eight years, transferred to RBI, and the importance of completing KYC formalities to reactivate bank accounts.

The programme concluded with an interactive grievance-redressal session, during which participants’ queries, pending issues, and concerns were addressed on the spot. Information regarding the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme was also disseminated to ensure awareness of formal grievance-resolution mechanisms.

It was further announced that similar Gram Choupal programmes will be organised shortly at Samushang Santipur, Imphal West District on 18 December 2025, and at Thinungei, Bishnupur District on 20 December 2025, to be conducted respectively by SBI Mayang Imphal Branch and SBI Ningthoukhong Branch.

The public was earnestly encouraged to participate actively in these programmes and avail themselves of the extensive information and benefits being offered in the interest of inclusive and sustainable financial empowerment.

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