Kudecho Khamo and others during the inauguration of SBI Chetheba branch on June 9 at Chetheba. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 9
Nagaland CAWD & Taxes Advisor, Kudecho Khamo today inaugurated State Bank of India (SBI) Branch at Chetheba under Phek district. With this, Chetheba SBI became the 76th SBI branch in Nagaland.
Currently, there are four SBI branches in Phek district which are located at Phek, Chizami, Chozuba and Pfutsero.
Describing the inauguration of Chetheba SBI branch as a Red Letter Day for the people of Chetheba and its neighboring villages, Khamo said “This achievement is not just about the opening of a bank; it is the opening of new opportunities, a new possibilities and unlocking of financial doors for the people.”
With this opening, basic and essential financial services are now available right at our doorstep, bringing our local community closer with the rest of the country and the world, he maintained.
Khamo was hopeful that SBI Chetheba branch will offer savings/current for individuals, farmers, students & businesses, agricultural & personal loans to support livelihoods and education, access to govt. schemes, subsidies, and direct benefit transfers, digital banking and ATM services for faster, cashless transactions and financial literacy programs to help every citizen make informed financial decisions.
“These services will not only boost our local economy but also empower our citizens, uplift our farmers and support our entrepreneurs. With banking now within our reach, the people of Chetheba can dream bigger and plan better,” the Advisor said.
Khamo thanked Nagaland’s chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and all others for their support and sincere cooperation towards making this SBI branch possible at Chetheba.
“I hope and believe that this bank will not just serve us with mere financial services; but will walk with us and grow with us as we work towards achieving the vision of a sustainable and resilient economy that can propel to a greater height of a progressive and a developed society,” Khamo added.
20 RD block still unbanked in Nagaland
Khamo said that out of 75 RD Blocks in the state, only 55 blocks are covered by bank branches and 20 Blocks are still unbanked.
As in December 2024, there were 26 banks operating in the state with 245 branches, mostly located concentrated in the district of Kohima, Dimapur and Chumoukedima.
Stating that the Credit Deposit (CDR) ratio is currently 63.84% much below the national average of 75%, he said “This indicates that banks in Nagaland are lending a smaller percentage of their deposits compared to the national average.”
Khamo felt that the banks must not focus only on deposit but focus on building the economy through seamless loans.
Nagaland’s youth resources & sports advisor S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, transport & technical advisor Temjenmenba, Zhoveyi Rose, VCC Thipuzumi village, Vepozoyi Theyo, president CAPO and Motahu Rokha, head GB Chetheba town also spoke at the programme.
MLA Benei M. Lamthiu, Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) chairman Obed Quinker, Phek Deputy Commissioner Rhosietho Nguori, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Dimapur Kenesa Dawhuo, Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Vezuhii Keyho, Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (CMA) president Zhonelii Tunyi, Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) president Kevesa Khamo, Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) president Pfiilo Sara, Chakhesang Cultural Organization (CCO) president Kedutsolhi Wetsah, Kohima Chakhesang Hoho (KCH) president Dozhohu Tunyi and several other dignitaries also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NDPP Chozuba A/C general secretary Thepukrayi Nienu while welcome address was delivered by Surabhi Bhattacharyya, Deputy General Manager (B &O), Administrative Office, SBI, Jorhat. Vote of thanks was proposed by Hubert A S Wungshim, Regional Manager, Regional Business Office, SBI Dimapur.
