Itanagar, 1 October (HS): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday attended the 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR) event organized by the Regional Office of State Bank of India (SBI) in Itanagar.

The CSR program emphasizes the collective commitment of financial institutions to support the development of social welfare, education, health care and financial literacy in Arunachal Pradesh.

Organized in collaboration with NABARD, SIDBI and Punjab National Bank (PNB), the event is a platform to highlight coordinated efforts towards social welfare and development of the people in Arunachal Pradesh.

The highlight of the event is the live display of 30 stalls for 16 Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ARSLM) supported Self Help Groups (SHGs). The stalls showcase a wide range of indigenous products reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the state.

The CSR program is characterized by several impactful programs aimed at benefiting the local population. In today's event, Nirmala Sitharaman handed over an ambulance and a horse van at the Police Headquarters in Itanagar to improve emergency services in the area. She handed over the symbolic keys of an ambulance and a horse van to the Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission.

SBI has donated 50 bicycles to the Deputy Director of School Education for transporting female students in remote areas to promote education of young girls.

NABARD flagged off two financial literacy demonstration vans to promote financial awareness. Through this, the concerned people will go to rural areas and educate the public about banking services.

A mobile medical unit has been launched by SIDBI to organize medical camps in rural areas. This move is to reach the population deprived of essential health services.

The event included an innovative exhibition of Tripura Gramin Bank. This exhibition is sponsored by Punjab National Bank. It showcases a solar-powered 'Bank on Wheels', which will provide stability and access to banking services in remote and off-grid areas.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, all ministers and MLAs of the state, top government officials including Chief Secretary, Reserve Bank, SBI, NABARD, CDB, PNB, Tripura Gramin Bank and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash