Odisha govt urges banks to send SMS in Odia for better access to welfare benefits

The Odisha government has advised banks to start sending SMS alerts in Odia to make banking services and welfare benefits more accessible to people across the state. 

The proposal was put forward by Development Commissioner Anu Garg at the 180th State-Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting, where bankers were urged to adopt customer-friendly practices in regional languages.

Garg highlighted that the government has implemented several welfare and subsidy schemes, the benefits of which are largely delivered through banking channels. 

However, many beneficiaries face challenges in understanding SMS notifications sent in English, which reduces the effectiveness of the communication. 

“A large section of the population, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, is more comfortable with Odia. If messages are sent in the local language, people will clearly know about the financial assistance or benefits they are receiving,” she said.

In addition to the language issue, the Development Commissioner also advised banks to improve the credit-deposit ratio in economically weaker districts, stressing that lending should be more inclusive. She specifically called for an increase in loans to the education, housing, and export sectors, which could help generate employment and support economic growth.

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Officials believe that introducing Odia-language SMS will strengthen financial literacy and transparency, while also ensuring that government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries without confusion. The move is expected to enhance trust between banks and customers and make welfare delivery more effective.