Port Blair, Aug. 5: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM today launched the Cooperative Card facility for door delivery of pension for the aged, the widow and the physically challenged persons. At a function held at Prothrapur Community Hall here this morning, the Lt Governor distributed Cooperative Cards to some of the beneficiaries.  

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor expressed happiness that the A&N State Cooperative Bank has introduced the Cooperative Card payment facility for the benefit of the aged, the widow and the physically challenged who from now onwards can get their pension delivered at their door and would not have to travel every month up to the bank for withdrawal of their pension.

Describing the introduction of the card system as a noble gesture by the State Cooperative Bank aimed at providing useful services to aged, widow and physically challenged, he stated that such facility will be of immense help to the weaker sections of the society. Lauding the move of the Cooperative Bank for reaching out to the weaker section, he stated that directions have also been given to various departments of the Administration to reach out to the people at their door step and organize ‘public meeting’ to address the issues and problems faced by them.   

The Lt Governor further noted with appreciation that the Cooperative Bank with a small beginning has grown in manifold over the years and has become an important institution providing banking services even in the remotest part of the Islands where the connectivity is limited.

The Lt Governor further stated that the A&N Cooperative bank has been playing a significant role by providing timely credit to the farmers through PACS and also extending financial assistance to BPL families, agriculturists, small scale industries, artisans, retail traders and urban consumers.

Referring to the issue of enhancement of pension amount of the aged, widow and Physically Challenged by the Vice Chairman, A&N SCB, the Lt Governor assured that issue will be considered positively. The Lt Governor also called upon to inculcate moral values in children so that they look after their parents in the old age.  

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, the Vice Chairman, A&N State Cooperative Bank Ltd, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma stated that the Bank has introduced the Cooperative Card system in the first phase in three branches which will benefit about 560 beneficiaries residing in areas from Sipighat to Chidiyatapu.  He also highlighted the activities and the initiatives taken by the bank for the welfare of the people of the Islands.

The General Manager, NABARD, Shri Aathirstsvel in his address stated that A&N Islands is the first in the country where the Cooperative Card scheme is being introduced. He also highlighted various schemes NABARD is planning to introduce with the support of A&N State Cooperative Bank for the welfare of people of the Islands.

The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Managing Director, A&N SCB, Shri Ravindar Rao.

Artists from Andaman People Theatre Association (APTA) presented a skit ‘Dekho Na Ho Gaya Savera’ designed by Shri Naresh Chandra Lall.