Patna:In a significant step aimed at boosting the financial and social security of its community outreach workers, the Bihar government on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB). The agreement will extend a special corporate banking package to 9,817 Vikash Mitras—grassroots facilitators who help deliver welfare schemes in Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) areas.

The ceremony, held at the Directorate of Economics and Statistics auditorium in Patna, was chaired by Janak Ram, Bihar’s Minister for SC/ST Welfare. Senior officials of the department, Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission, district welfare officers, regional coordinators, and representatives from SBI and PNB attended the event.

Bank officials presented a detailed outline of the corporate package through a multimedia presentation. The benefits include health and life insurance, accidental coverage, education support for children after a parent’s death, and financial assistance for daughters’ weddings.

Calling the initiative “a historic step for the economic and social security of Vikash Mitras,” Minister Ram thanked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his leadership. “Vikash Mitras are the bridge between government schemes and the SC/ST hamlets. This package will raise their morale and enable them to serve with even greater enthusiasm,” he said. The minister also expressed gratitude to Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha for their support.

Department Secretary directed that camps be held across all blocks on September 27 to ensure every Vikash Mitra’s account is brought under the new package without delay.

Concluding the programme, the Mission Director thanked the banks, district officials, and the media, expressing confidence that the initiative will further empower Bihar’s Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.