An intensive campaign on savings organised at different parts of the city under the auspices of the circle office of Canara Bank on Sunday, benefited a large number of unorganised labourers, students and even petty traders who were brought under financial inclusiveness. The objective of the campaign was to provide the bank's services for the people and propagate the importance of savings to them.
M. Vijayaraj, general manager, circle office, said that the city accounted for 15 branches and special groups were constituted to launch the campaign all through the day . Each group comprised staff members who visited each and every household to create awareness among the people.
Most of the beneficiaries were students, both college and school students, who were covered under the bank's exclusive scheme for them. Various services and plans being implemented by the bank were explained.
“We also opened accounts and the pass books will be distributed to the account holders, again at their doorsteps, on Monday,” he said, explaining the efforts taken by the circle office for financial inclusion of the people. A deposit of Rs.10 lakh was mobilised during the campaign by the branches.
Mr. Vijayaraj, who earlier flagged off a rally in front of the circle office, said that the campaign also came in handy for ascertaining various financial needs of genuine and potential borrowers. “We also realised that there has been a growing demand for housing loan among the middle and upper middle income group segment and the requirement of credit flow for traders was also on the rise,” he added. Four applications were received for housing loan during the course of the campaign.
Arun A. Ulman and V.R. Chandrakumar, both assistant general managers, co-ordinated the campaign. R. Raman, manager (public relations), circle office, said that the response from the student community was overwhelming.
