By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, December 6, 2016 : Odisha will soon have Banking Correspondents [BCs] in 1000 unbanked gram panchayats (GPs) spread across 107 blocks across the state, according to Finance Secretary Tuhinkant Pandey.

The process to recruit BCs will begin within two days, he told reporters here on Tuesday adding that these appointments would be made through the Odisha Livelihoods Mission.

“Banks will appoint BCs through the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) in unbanked rural areas. Banking service can be delivered through Bank Mitras and self-help groups. Initially, banks will appoint BCs in 1000 panchayats spread across 107 blocks in the state,” said Pandey.

The decision to appoint BCs through OLM was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi to expedite delivery of banking service in unbanked rural areas.