RANCHI: In a significant move to streamline financial services for its workforce, the Jharkhand government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Tuesday for a dedicated salary account package aimed at state employees. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who graced the signing ceremony at the Jharkhand Secretariat, hailed the agreement as a new chapter in the state’s partnership with the banking sector.
Speaking at the event, Soren emphasized the pivotal role banks play in the economic lives of citizens and government workers alike. ‘PNB is joining hands with the state government today in a meaningful way,’ he stated, underscoring how this collaboration would enhance transaction efficiency across business, agriculture, and rural development sectors.
The Chief Minister highlighted that beyond core banking functions, institutions like PNB have social responsibilities. This MoU builds on previous agreements with other banks, ensuring seamless implementation of employee-centric financial packages. Soren expressed confidence that PNB would fulfill its commitments, benefiting not just government staff but the general public through improved coordination.
The ceremony saw the presence of key ministers including Radha Krishna Kishore, Dr. Irfan Ansari, Sanjay Prasad Yadav, Deepika Pandey Singh, and Shilpi Neha Tirkey. Senior officials like Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and PNB representatives—General Manager Ashish Kumar Chaturvedi, Zonal Head Avdhesh Jha, and Deputy Zonal Head Rakesh Kumar Srivastava—also attended.
This partnership is poised to modernize payroll processes, offering tailored banking solutions that could include zero-balance accounts, attractive interest rates, and additional perks. As Jharkhand pushes for digital governance, such initiatives mark a step forward in financial inclusion and employee welfare. The state anticipates broader economic ripple effects, fostering growth in underserved areas.