Smart cards launched

CHITRADURGA: Karnataka Bank on Wednesday launched its smart cards under its financial inclusion programme at Babbur in Chitradurga district. The card can be used for payments under various state-run programmes including NREGA and social security pension (SSP).
P Jayarama Bhat, managing director of the bank, explained the bank's participation in the government's pilot project for payments under smart card system (electronic benefit transfer) through KBL-Empower Biometric, for social security pension (SSP) beneficiaries.
Sridhar, business representative who demonstrated the working of the hand-held machine, explained how the beneficiaries could operate their SB accounts using smart card at remote locations.
Range Gowda, CEO, zilla panchayath, B Ashok Hegde, GM of Karnataka Bank, V K Bhatt, chief manager, H C Rudraiah zonal officer and H P R Hande were present.