Gram Divya – Banking Correspondent of IRB

Empowering Rural India, One Transaction at a Time

As part of the International Resource Bank’s Gram Divya initiative, trained rural women serve as Banking Correspondents (BCs) in their villages or wards. These women are not only micro‑entrepreneurs but also trusted financial facilitators who bring doorstep banking services to underserved communities, ensuring financial inclusion and fraud prevention.

Core Responsibilities of a Gram Divya Banking Correspondent

1. Account Opening Assistance Helping villagers open savings or current accounts, linking them with Aadhaar and mobile numbers to access formal financial services.
2. Cash Withdrawal & Deposit Services Operating micro‑ATMs or Aadhaar‑enabled payment systems (AEPS) to provide secure transactions for those without access to a physical bank branch.
3. Domestic Money Transfer Enabling safe and quick transfers for migrant laborers, farmers, and daily‑wage earners, reducing reliance on risky informal channels.
4. Aadhaar‑Enabled Payment System (AEPS) Using biometric authentication to allow customers to transact using their Aadhaar number, making banking more inclusive.
5. Cross‑Selling of Financial Products Offering and explaining more than 200+ financial products, including:
   • Government welfare schemes
   • Insurance (life, health, crop)
   • Pension schemes (Atal Pension Yojana)
   • Mutual funds and recurring deposits
   • Micro‑credit and small business loans
6. Financial Literacy Campaigns Conducting household visits, group meetings, and awareness camps to educate people—especially women and the elderly—on:
   • Budgeting and saving
   • Safe use of digital payments
   • Understanding interest rates and loan terms
   • Avoiding frauds, scams, and informal lending traps

💡 Why This Role Matters

• Bridges the Urban‑Rural Divide: Bringing formal banking to the village doorstep ensures no one is left out of the digital economy.
• Reduces Financial Fraud: With local, trained women leading transactions, villagers trust the process and avoid scams.
• Builds Financial Trust: Women have a proven record of repayment and lower fraud rates, making them ideal for expanding outreach.
• Increases Women’s Participation: Transforming rural women into active agents of India’s financial system.

🌾 The Impact in Numbers (Per BC, Monthly)

A well‑performing Gram Divya correspondent can earn ₹20,000–₹60,000 per month through service commissions, cross‑selling incentives, and performance bonuses.

📝 Apply for Gram Divya

To become a Gram Divya Banking Correspondent with International Resource Bank (IRB), applicants must successfully complete the entrance process.

Application Requirements

• Entrance Exam: Mandatory for all applicants.
  • Exam Fee: ₹300/- (non‑refundable)
• ID Generation & KYC Registration:
  • One‑time fee of ₹6,550/-(non‑refundable)
• License Fee:
  • Valid for 1 year, payable during registration.

Important Notes

• All fees must be paid during the registration process.
• Only candidates who pass the entrance exam will be eligible for Gram Divya certification.
• The license grants authorization to operate as a Banking Correspondent under IRB for one year.

📝 How to Apply for Gram Divya

Follow these steps to become a certified Gram Divya Banking Correspondent under International Resource Bank (IRB):

Step 1: Registration

• Fill out the Gram Divya Application Form online or at your nearest IRB support center.
• Provide basic personal details and upload required documents (ID proof, address proof, Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).

Step 2: Entrance Exam

• Pay the Exam Fee: ₹300/- (non‑refundable).
• Appear for the Gram Divya Entrance Exam to qualify for the program.
• Only successful candidates can proceed to the next stage.

Step 3: ID Generation & KYC Registration

• Complete KYC verification and ID generation.
• Pay the one‑time fee of ₹6,550/- for ID creation and KYC registration.

Step 4: License Fee Payment

• Pay the annual license fee during registration.
• The license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
• Condition: If a Gram Divya fails to generate a minimum business of ₹1,00,000 in a financial year, the license will not be renewed.

Step 5: Training & Certification

• Attend IRB’s training sessions to learn about banking services, financial literacy, fraud prevention, and product offerings.
• Receive your Gram Divya Certificate authorizing you to operate as a Banking Correspondent.

Step 6: Start Operations

• Begin offering doorstep banking services in your village/ward.
• Earn commissions, incentives, and bonuses based on performance.

✅ By following these steps, you can officially join the Gram Divya initiative and contribute to rural financial inclusion while building your own sustainable livelihood.

🔰 Conclusion

Gram Divya is more than a program—it is a movement toward rural financial independence. By acting as Banking Correspondents, these women become the backbone of India’s inclusive financial future. With honesty, dedication, and community trust, they ensure that every village has access to safe, reliable, and fraud‑free financial services.