New premises of SBS branch at Temi-Tarku

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) chairman DB Gurung on Monday inaugurated the new premises of Temi-Tarku SBS branch office at Temi bazaar. He was accompanied by SBS advisor Kiran Kumar Rai, Temi Tea Board chairman Tashi Bhutia, SBS managing director PW Bhutia, SBS chief general managers SR Kakri and Deepika Chettri, Temi BDO, SBS officials and local people.

Addressing the inauguration function, the SBS chairman dedicated the new premises of SBS Temi-Tarku branch office to the local people. Under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay, the SBS has been able to add 11-12 new branches in various locations across the State, he said.

Gurung highlighted the financial services provided by the State undertaking to help the people for various activities. Under the startup schemes and as per the Chief Minister’s direction, the SBS has facilitated loans to more than 2000 beneficiaries, he said, urging the youth to take up entrepreneurship.

SBS managing director PW Bhutia, in his address, mentioned that the SBS set up its new premises of Temi-Tarku branch with an aim to provide modern banking services and infrastructure to the local people and customers. People of Temi-Tarku have always been supportive towards the SBS and we hope to see enhanced support and cooperation coming through with the new premises, he said.

Bhutia added that SBS, a State undertaking, has been part of the State’s development in every possible manner for decades. It is a bank of Sikkim and Sikkimese, and it is our responsibility to protect and promote our institution, he said. He urged the people to take up SBS for their banking activities and services.

“The SBS is closely linked with the skilled youth start-up scheme launched by the Chief Minister. So far more than 2200 projects under the scheme have been financed. We are happy to fund the projects through which employment to 8000-10000 persons have been generated,” said Bhutia.

The present government aims to develop entrepreneurship among the youth so that they excel and also bring fame for the State, said Bhutia.

The SBS managing director also sensitized the gathering on the importance of insurance for their health, lives and properties. He referred to the recent flash flood that damaged several houses along the Teesta river at Singtam, Rangpo and Dikchu. Those who had insurance received their insured money from the insurance companies for the damage to their houses, he said.

Bhutia informed that the SBS will install an ATM facility at Temi soon.