In a path-breaking initiative to deepen financial inclusion, the Department of Posts has planned to double its ATM network from 1,000 to 2,000 places in India. This move will make banking services more accessible to millions of citizens, particularly rural and semi-urban populations, through the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB).
The plan is consistent with India Post's continuous drive of modernization as part of Project Arrow that includes enhancing infrastructure and customer care. With the help of latest technology and widening ATM coverage, India Post will ensure bridging the gap in rural-urban accessibility of banking facilities. ATMs will serve POSB customers who are already being served with offerings such as mobile banking and ePassbook facility.
This initiative is likely to supplement government initiatives towards financial inclusion by providing safe and accessible banking facilities in distant areas. With more than 23,500 post offices having already been modernized under Project Arrow, the doubling of ATMs is another achievement in the transformation of India Post as a dynamic and responsive organization.
The wider ATM network is not only an upgrade in convenience but also an important step towards financially empowering citizens across the country.
Sources: Wikipedia, Economic Times