CDS FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND DIGITAL INDIA PROJECT
Thanlon Sub-Division (which earlier included the present Thanlon and Mualnuam Sub-Divisions) continues to remain one of the most underserved and backward regions of Churachandpur District, Manipur. The area is marked by its status as an unbanked block, with no functional bank branches or ATMs accessible to local communities.
Although the Government of India has emphasized Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and other digital payment mechanisms, the absence of nearby banking services has left the local population unable to withdraw or utilize their entitlements in a cost-effective manner. Beneficiaries are often compelled to travel long distances to Lamka town to access their funds, incurring travel and incidental costs ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000—merely to withdraw meagre amounts of around ₹5,000. This situation is unsustainable and directly undermines the very purpose of DBT and financial inclusion initiatives.
Recognizing this urgent gap, the Community Development Society (CDS) launched the CDS Financial Inclusion and Digital India Project on 12th August 2020. The project was conceived as a flagship initiative with the vision of transforming rural villages into digitally empowered societies by bringing doorstep financial services to marginalized communities in remote areas.
The project has been strategically rolled out in six villages—Mualnuam, Songtal, Sinzawl, Phaitong, Mualpheng, and Thanlon—with a focus on providing inclusive financial and digital services where conventional banks are absent.
Key Components of the Project include:
- Cash withdrawal services using ATM cards and Aadhaar-enabled systems.
- Cash deposits and fund transfers for individuals and households.
- Opening of new bank accounts with State Bank of India (SBI) to promote financial inclusion.
- PAN card application services to support financial documentation.
- Mobile and DTH recharge facilities, ensuring essential connectivity and digital utility access.
This initiative has already proven to be a lifeline for rural communities, significantly reducing the dependency on distant urban centres for financial transactions. By bridging the gap between policy intent and ground realities, the project is enabling local communities to access their rightful entitlements with dignity, convenience, and minimal cost.
