People of Lingzhi and Soe in Thimphu will no longer have to store hard cash at home or travel to Paro or Thimphu to avail themselves of banking services. The facility has reached their doorstep through the Bank of Bhutan’s Connect agents.
The bank has certified four such agents for the two gewogs.
The bank formally identified and certified their representatives during the recent Jomolhari Mountain Festival. Through BoB connect agents, the highlanders can deposit or withdraw cash, recharge talk-time and data for mobile phones and pay utility bills payment among others.
“So far, without a bank, people here have been keeping cash in their homes. There were risks of losing it. Keeping huge amounts of cash at hand could cost them their lives too,” said Sonam Tshering from Bank of Bhutan.
The representatives, trained by the bank, will provide financial services to the highlanders through a mobile application.
“Before, even to deposit Nu 1000, we had to go to Paro. Moreover, with the facility, we expect to improve the saving culture. 10 people already opened their saving accounts and in two days, they deposited about Nu 40,000 in their accounts,” said Tashi Lham, a BoB Connect Agent for Soe Gewog, Thimphu.
“We have been living with the fear of losing whatever little savings we have. But now, we can deposit and withdraw as and when required. I have a savings account in Paro and now, I am planning to open one here as well,” added Dawa Ngidup from Soe Gewog, Thimphu.
With this, the Bank of Bhutan has 288 BoB Connect Agents across the country.
Pema Tshewang
