Airtel Payments Bank celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing the contributions of women business correspondents (BCs) in Assam and Meghalaya who are transforming financial access in rural and underserved areas. The event, held in Guwahati, acknowledged five outstanding BCs—Wansuk Thangkhiew, Lanopat N Sangma, SmritiMili, Ajami Nara Khatun, and Queen Marry Keot Bhuyan—for their dedication to expanding banking services.
With over 100,000 women BCs across India, Airtel Payments Bank operates 500,000 neighborhood banking points. In Assam and Meghalaya alone, the bank has 24,600 BCs, including 2,600 women, with over 80% serving unbanked regions. These correspondents facilitate essential financial services, including account openings, cash withdrawals, money transfers, bill payments, and insurance. The event was attended by NABARD Assam Chief General Manager Loken Das and RDSDE Assam Deputy Director Nizam Uddin Barbhuiya, who lauded their efforts. In Shillong, women BCs have enhanced financial accessibility, particularly benefiting small traders and self-employed individuals. Their role has helped accelerate digital transactions, reducing reliance on cash-based dealings in local markets.
Shankar Chakraborty, VP – Sales (East), Airtel Payments Bank, said, “At Airtel Payments Bank, we view financial inclusion as more than just access to banking—it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Our women business correspondents are key to this change, delivering vital banking services to underserved communities while building trust at the local level. This International Women’s Day 2025 with over 100,000 women BCs working with the Bank, we proudly celebrate their accomplishments and share their stories. Our continued focus is on highlighting their success and inspiring more women to join the journey toward financial empowerment.”