UKHRUL: The Jessami Block in Ukhrul district has secured its first formal banking outlet. Marking a major leap in financial accessibility, the Jessami Branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) was inaugurated on Friday, sparing residents the arduous five to six-hour journey previously required to access basic banking services.
The new branch was virtually inaugurated today by Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI and attended by P. Duna Duo (MCS), ADM/SDO Jessami, who represented the district administration. Senior SBI officials present included Lohuo Besii, Chief Manager (Operations), SBI RBO Imphal East; John Monsang, Chief Manager, SBI Ukhrul; and Jessami Branch Manager Singchui Kharey.
Addressing the gathering, P. Duna Duo lauded SBI and the State Government for strengthening inclusive banking infrastructure in this far-flung part of Manipur. He acknowledged the contributions of former Deputy Commissioner Kengoo Zuringla (IAS) and the present Deputy Commissioner Asish Das (IAS) for facilitating the administrative processes necessary to operationalise the branch. He also expressed appreciation to the many individuals who worked behind the scenes, handling documentation, coordinating with various offices, and persistently following up to ensure the branch’s establishment after years of effort.
Encouraging residents to make full use of the new facility, he emphasised the importance of cultivating savings habits to support local economic development and financial security.
Highlighting customer awareness and service outreach, Lohuo Besii urged the public to remain vigilant against cyber fraud and to adopt secure banking practices. He assured that all loan products and credit facilities available at nearby branches would also be extended to the Jessami Branch. At the same time, he advised borrowers to adhere strictly to the bank’s terms and conditions, particularly in ensuring timely repayment of loans.
Branch Manager Singchui Kharey thanked residents of Jessami and neighbouring villages for their cooperation during the inauguration. He appealed for continued community support in opening new accounts and transferring existing accounts to strengthen the branch’s Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) base. He assured customers of the branch’s commitment to delivering quality financial services and gradually upgrading its facilities in line with growing needs.
Community leaders Ayekkwete Wezah, Chairman of Jessami Village Council, and Asset Wezah, Secretary, also conveyed their gratitude to the ADM/SDO Jessami for facilitating the process and to SBI officials for establishing the branch.
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The opening of the Jessami Branch, following sustained representations over several years, marks a crucial step toward enhancing financial access for small entrepreneurs, farmers, and residents of the Jessami Block, thereby strengthening the region’s economic resilience and development prospects.