The West Bengal Government is looking to help banks set up branches in unbanked areas of the State.
According to West Bengal Finance, Commerce & Industries and IT Minister, Amit Mitra, the government will provide around 300-400 sq feet of space at the various gram panchayat offices at a minimal rate of Re 1 per month.
Currently, there are 742 gram panchayats in the State which do not have any bank branches.
"We are looking to have banks across all these 742 gram panchayats by the end of this year. We will look to help banks by providing them with space and minimal rent," he told reporters on the sidelines of the ICC Banking Summit here in the city.
Integrated financial system
Meanwhile, the Mamata Banerjee-led Government is also looking to have an integrated financial management system for monitoring the expenses and receipts of the State.
The system is likely to be in place over the next three months.
"A national-level IT company will implement the integrated financial management system most likely within the next three months. The move is likely to bring in greater transparency in government working," he said.