Micro-ATMs were distributed to border village PACS in Samba district to boost financial inclusion

Editor February 13, 2026

Micro-ATMs Distributed to Border Village PACS in Landmark Push for Financial Inclusion and Digital Empowerment

Micro-ATMs were distributed to border village PACS in Samba district to boost financial inclusion and digital banking access under a Cooperative Department–NABARD initiative.

Samba, February 13, 2026:

In a significant step towards strengthening financial inclusion in border areas, the Cooperative Department, in collaboration with NABARD, District Samba, today distributed Micro-ATMs to selected Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) operating in border villages of the district.

The Micro-ATMs were formally handed over by Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Samba, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring doorstep banking and digital financial access for geographically remote and underserved communities.

Several beneficiary PACS are located in villages identified under the Vibrant Villages Programme, including Mangu Chak, Rangoor, and Suchetgarh. The initiative aims to bridge long-standing gaps in access to banking services by leveraging the cooperative network to deliver modern financial facilities directly to residents of border settlements.

The distribution of Micro-ATMs through PACS is expected to enable services such as cash withdrawal, balance enquiry, and digital transactions at the village level, reducing dependence on distant bank branches and promoting digital empowerment among rural populations.

The programme was attended by Shruti Sharma, Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Samba; the NABARD District Development Manager; Assistant Registrars of Cooperative Societies, Vijaypur and Ghagwal; and representatives of the beneficiary PACS. The gathering highlighted strong institutional convergence aimed at inclusive growth and equitable development.

Officials stated that the initiative marks a crucial milestone in integrating border villages into the mainstream economic system while promoting transparency, accessibility, and digital financial literacy at the grassroots level.