New Delhi: Punjab
National Bank (PNB), one of nation’s leading public sector banks, has launched
its “DIGI PNB SHRAM SAATHI” scheme to offer collateral-free digital loans up to
Rs. 1 Lakh to its existing account holders who are community-based frontline
workers employed with various Central Government departments, local bodies,
government-sponsored agencies, various Central public sector enterprises etc. The loan is being offered under digital mode only.
As a part of the Viksit Bharat vision under 'Vision
Viksit Bharat@2047’, the scheme aims to promote inclusive growth, financial
empowerment, and socio-economic upliftment of vulnerable workforce segments in
India.
The scheme is designed for skilled, semi-skilled, and
unskilled community workers, including:
- Anganwadi Workers (AWW), Anganwadi Helpers (AWH), Mini-Anganwadi
Workers (Women & Child Development Department).
- ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, ASHA Facilitators,
Link Workers (in some states) (in Health Department)
- Mid-Day Meal Cooks / Cook-cum-Helpers, Adult Literacy Mission
Workers (Education & Literacy Department)
- Safai Mitra / Sanitation Workers, Swachh Bharat Mission workers,
Door-to-door garbage collectors (ULB-engaged) (in Local Bodies / Municipal
Corporations)
- Van Rakshak (daily wage), Forest Fire Watchers, Plantation &
nursery workers (Forest Department)
- Daily wage earners/contractual workers employed with other Central
Public sector enterprises like BHEL, GAIL, SAIL, ONGC etc.
Key highlights of the scheme:
|
S No. |
Parameters |
Details |
|
1. |
Purpose |
For Personal consumption (for all purposes)
|
|
2. |
Rate of Interest |
Presently 11% (linked to RLLR) |
|
3. |
Extent of Loan |
Minimum: Rs. 10,000 | Maximum: Rs. 1,00,000
|
|
4. |
Eligibility |
Minimum age of Borrower - 21 years, KYC
complied ETB customers , Borrower shall be gainfully employed. The annual
household income (actual as well as projected) should be up to Rs. 3,00,000 |
|
5. |
Processing
Fees/ Documentation Charges
|
Nil |
|
6. |
Margin |
Nil |
|
7. |
Repayment |
Maximum: 36 months (maximum upto the
age of 60 years, whichever is earlier) |
|
8. |
Credit
Insurance |
Group Credit Insurance to cover these loan
accounts. The premium shall be borne by the bank. |
|
8. |
Platform
to access the scheme |
https://digishramsaathi.pnb.bank.in:5443 |
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Subodh Kumar, GM,
Retail Asset Business Division, PNB, said: “In alignment with the
Government's 'Vision Viksit Bharat@2047', Punjab National Bank is proud to
introduce the "Digi PNB Shram Saathi" digital lending scheme to
financially empower our nation's dedicated frontline community workers . By
providing accessible formal credit, we are ensuring that essential grassroots
workers—such as ASHA, Anganwadi, and sanitation staff—are no longer dependent
on informal lending and can achieve true financial security. The premium for
securing the loan amount shall be borne by the bank.
The product is being launched in digital mode, providing end-to-end
digital solutions and minimal documentation requirements will ensure a smooth and
convenient application process anytime, anywhere.”