HDFC Bank launches 87 branches on Sunday in Punjab, Haryana
26 Nov 2012
HDFC Bank, the country's second-largest private sector bank after ICICI Bank, said it had opened 87 rural branches on Sunday across the states of Punjab and Haryana.
Manned by three or four staff, these are full-service branches located primarily in the rural areas.
The bank said that along with openeing the branches, it had also launched HDFC Bank VISA Bharat credit card, targeted towards farmers and agriculturists.
"The new global credit card has special features designed with Indian farmers and their shopping needs in mind," the bank said in a statement. "The card will offer farmers cash back on every purchase as well as a waiver on petrol surcharge on fuel transactions between Rs400 and Rs5,000."
The push into the interiors of the country is aimed at bringing 10 million unbanked families from rural and remoter areas like Leh in Ladakh and the nort-east into the banking fold.
''We are committed to providing efficient, technology driven banking products and services across India to help bring about inclusive growth. The launch of the 87 full-service rural branches reiterates this commitment and we are confident that our endeavour will help in the economic development of the rural areas in the state of Punjab and Haryana, ''said Navin Puri, country head, Branch Banking, HDFC Bank.
''Agriculture is a critical sector of the Indian economy and forms the backbone of our country," Parag Rao, senior executive vice president, business head, credit cards & merchant acquiring services, HDFC Bank.
Rao added that like HDFC Bank;s credit card for doctors and teachers, Bank through the launch of Bharat card hopes to fulfill the needs and desires of farmers.
"The Bharat Credit Card will not only provide timely financial support to agriculturists when they require it, but also give them access to many additional features and benefits. This is a global credit card for Indian farmers,'' he added.
