SBI, admn launch e-rickshaws, mobile ATM van

Tribune News Service

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Bathinda, September 21

In order to make Bathinda a pollution-free and greener city, the district administration and State Bank of India jointly launched 21 e-rickshaws in the city. Loan for all e-rickshaws is financed under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana scheme.

The initiative was taken by the district administration under the Punjab Tandarust Mission. Deputy Commissioner Praneet, Additional Deputy Commissioner (D) Sakshi Sawhney, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rishi Pal and SBI Chief General Manager Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, along with other officials, flagged off e-rickshaws at the district administrative complex here on Friday morning.

For the convenience of residents of the district, SBI also launched a mobile ATM van. The van will move around and outer areas of the city to provide banking services on wheels. It has been readied at a cost of Rs 15 lakh and is a mini bank in itself that offers all banking facilities on wheels, including ATM, new account opening, services and information about loans and other banking schemes.

Talking to mediapersons after the launch, Chief General Manager Rana Ashutosh Kumar said, “The beneficiaries of e-rickshaws have each been provided loan of Rs 1.10 lakh to Rs 1.30 lakh without any collateral security on low interest under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana that allows it to be re-paid in five years. This has not only enabled poor persons to earn two square meals a day, but also helped them to be owner of their own rickshaw.”

He said SBI would provide loan for more e-rickshaws in future and anyone willing to get such rickshaws could walk into the nearest SBI branch for further details. An amount of Rs 23.62 lakh has been sanctioned by the bank to finance these e-rickshaws.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Praneet lauded the efforts of the bank in partnering with the district administration for the social cause.

The Deputy Commissioner exhorted auto-rickshaw owners/drivers of the city to go for e-rickshaws, which are eco-friendly.