This Odisha woman brings banking services to doorsteps in tribal hinterland

Koraput: Amid ongoing battle against COVID-19 with participation of several unsung warriors in Odisha to provide essential services to civilians to ensure hassle-free operations during nationwide lockdown, one more person has been added to the list.

Salami Shashankar, a young employee of the State Bank of India (SBI), Lakshmipur Branch in Koraput district, is winning hearts of many for her relentless efforts to provide banking services to rural customers in tribal-hit district.

Salami, the resident of a tribal village located about 19 km away from Lakshmipur Tehsil in Koraput district, is now popular at her locality as ‘Bank Madam’.

Wearing mask on her face, the 27-year-old woman has been providing banking services at doorstep since March 25. The residents also stand in a queue on her arrival at the locality as she is the only person who ensures the beneficiaries avail the subsidies provided by both State and Central governments during COVID-19 pandemic.

Everyday Salami steps out of her home with a laptop, cash withdrawal and deposit forms, a stamp pad, cash amounting to around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000, a 60-page registration book as well as a hand sanitizer for banking operation.

Sitting under a tree, she resumes her work on laptop and provides bank assistance to villagers.

Salami’s selfless service during these crucial times have earned her huge appreciations from residents in Lakshmipur area.