After becoming the first state in the country to achieve 100 per cent financial inclusion with every household having a bank account, Himachal Pradesh — it has 12.13 lakh households across 12 districts —has embarked upon a new plan to take mobile banking to the doorsteps of the account-holders.

The toughest areas, including those in the tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, may be taken up first on a pilot basis. The state also proposes to provide 100 per cent credit card coverage to all households in all areas.

Principal secretary (finance) Arvind Mehta says, “Himachal topography is such that banks cannot open its branches in every corner. Here, mobile banking technology is certainly an answer to the growing demand for banking facility upto village level. We are working on a proposal with the State Bank of India and PNB to take up mobile banking project on a pilot basis.”

The account-holders in the rural areas find it difficult to travel to the branch or use ATM service. The accessibility also becomes impossible during the peak snow days, or due to landslides.

“During a recent meeting with our regional head from Chandigarh, the principal secretary (finance) did raise the issue of mobile banking.The SBI will be happy to take up this task and help the state,” said S S Gupta, AGM (SBI). Under the scheme, the bank is to appoint business correspondents for the areas where the mobile banking will be introduced.