With the inauguration of Atal Panchayat Digital Seva Kendras, rural women can now withdraw money and access essential services without traveling or waiting in long bank lines.
Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh:
Standing in long queues at banks to withdraw money is now a thing of the past for rural women in Chhattisgarh, thanks to the inauguration of Atal Panchayat Digital Seva Kendras. The new centers, launched in multiple village panchayats, have sparked enthusiasm and relief, especially among women benefiting from government schemes.
On the very first day of operations, nearly 40 women in Achhota Gram Panchayat withdrew funds under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, highlighting the immediate impact of the initiative. One such beneficiary, Chetna Devangan, shared her excitement directly with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during a live video interaction.
Chetna expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I withdrew ₹2,000 under the scheme today itself. I no longer need to travel to Dhamtari or stand in long lines at the bank. The discomfort of walking several kilometers in heat, rain, or cold is finally over.”
Another local woman, Rukhmanee, added, “Earlier, we had to spend ₹20-25 on bus or taxi fare, and even ₹20 in fees when using an Aadhaar-based kiosk. With this center, both these costs are saved.”
These digital service centers are not only facilitating cash withdrawals but will also provide village residents with essential documents like caste, income, and residence certificates, right at their doorstep.
The initiative aims to strengthen Digital India at the grassroots level, ensuring financial inclusion, ease of access to government services, and improved quality of life in rural areas.
Chief Minister Sai extended his congratulations to the women and villagers during the virtual event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering rural communities through technology and innovation.
