Residents of Konch Panchayat in Konch block, Gaya district, will now have access to banking services closer to home. The outgoing Block Development Officer (BDO), Pradeep Kumar, officially inaugurated a micro ATM on Friday. This initiative is particularly significant for rural areas where accessing bank branches can be challenging.

Addressing the attendees at the inauguration ceremony, BDO Pradeep Kumar stated that this micro ATM would be a great relief for villagers. They will no longer need to travel to distant banks or ATMs for small transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, balance inquiries, and fund transfers. This facility will not only save time but also reduce travel expenses. He also highlighted that it is a crucial step towards Digital India and financial inclusion, strengthening the rural economy.

Micro ATMs are small, portable devices operated by a Bank Mitra or Customer Service Centre (CSC) agent. They function through the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AEPS), where customers can conduct transactions using their Aadhaar number and fingerprint. This technology is secure and reliable, promoting financial transactions in rural areas.

The Panchayat Mukhiya, ward members, and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion. Villagers welcomed the initiative with joy, stating that this facility would significantly ease their daily lives. It is also expected to promote financial literacy, as villagers can now easily connect with banking services. This step underscores the government's commitment to the Jan Dhan Yojana and promoting digital payments.