CRISIL Foundation and Ukhrul Town Banks Launch ‘Ridewise: Digitalization of Ukhrul Taxis’

Ukhrul, May 3: In a transformative step toward modernizing transportation in Ukhrul, the CRISIL Foundation, in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank, United Commercial Bank, and Union Bank of India, organized a program titled “Ridewise: Digitalization of Ukhrul Taxis” at TTA Hall, Hamleikhong. Held on May 3, 2025, the event attracted an impressive turnout of 342 taxi drivers eager to embrace digitalization and financial literacy.

The session featured four key speakers: Mr. Thotdharsho Kasar, Capacity Building Officer, and Mr. Themreingam Pheirei, Centre Manager, Ukhrul, both from CRISIL Foundation; Mr. Esiio Kayina, Branch Manager, Union Bank of India; and Mr. Ramkan Mung, SBI Manager, Ukhrul District. The program focused on financial inclusion, insurance schemes, and the adoption of digital payment systems aimed at empowering taxi drivers and elevating Ukhrul’s image as a modern hill town.

Mr. Thotdharsho Kasar and Mr. Ramkan Mung highlighted the importance of life insurance, stressing its role in providing financial security for families and peace of mind. Mr. Kasar introduced two prominent centrally launched life insurance schemes: the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). He explained that PMSBY is an accidental death and disability insurance scheme available to individuals aged 18–60, renewable up to 70 years, with a nominal annual premium of ₹20. In the event of accidental death, the nominee receives ₹2 lakhs, while ₹1 lakh is provided for partial disabilities. PMJJBY, on the other hand, offers broader life coverage for any cause of death, with an annual premium of ₹436. This scheme is available to individuals aged 18–50 and renewable until age 55, offering a ₹2 lakh death benefit and ₹1 lakh for partial disabilities.

Additionally, Mr. Mung introduced SBI’s Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), which offers coverage of ₹40 lakhs for accidental death at an annual premium of ₹2,000.

Themreingam Pheirei advocated for digital payments, encouraging taxi drivers to adopt platforms like UPI and display QR codes in their vehicles. He emphasized that digital transactions not only enhance convenience for tourists but also contribute to positioning Ukhrul as a smart, modern town. He explained that increased digital payments would boost bank deposits, enabling banks to offer more loans to the local community, including taxi drivers. He strongly encouraged drivers to implement QR codes before the Shirui Lily Festival to improve the visitor experience.

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Mr. Esiio Kayina provided insights into various bank account types, savings, fixed, and recurring deposits, as well as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, a savings scheme for girls under 10. He encouraged Union Bank customers to use the bank’s VYOM app for seamless digital banking and cautioned drivers against downloading apps from suspicious websites, highlighting the importance of digital safety.

The event concluded with a brief speech by a representative of the Ukhrul District Taxi Welfare Association (UDTWA), who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and speakers for their efforts to empower local taxi drivers. The initiative marks a significant step toward financial inclusion and digital transformation, positioning Ukhrul as a forward-thinking hill town.