ESAF Small Finance Bank Ltd. launched a Rainbow Savings Account exclusively for the transgender community. The programme held at Sharon Marthoma Church, Palarivattom, was inaugurated by Jayakumar, ACP, Ernakulam district, at 11.30 p.m., on Sep 06 2022. The programme was launched in association with the Navodaya Movement of the Marthoma Church.
Bishop Thomas Mar Teethos, Navoaya Movement President and Mr. George Thomas, Executive Vice President ESAF Small Finance Bank together launched the logo of the Rainbow savings account. The renowned makeup artist RenjuRenjimar received the leaflet of the project.
In his inaugural address Mr. Jayakumar, ACP Kochi, emphasised inclusivity, which is relevant for upholding the values of equality. He also praised the government’s support in promoting inclusivity. Mr. Kadambelil Paul Thomas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ESAF Small Finance Bank, who was unable to attend the function, later mentioned in a press note that ESAF Bank has a history of more than 25 years of primarily serving the unserved and underserved, with a focus on financial inclusion and its vision is to be India’s leading social bank, that offers equal opportunities through universal financial access and inclusion of livelihood and economic development. He added that this was the reason behind the bank’s association with Navodaya Movement. Also, he said that the savings habit of the marginalised community will contribute heavily to the growth of the economy as a whole.
Father Mathew Philip, Nilambur, Project Director, Navodaya Movement, said that the bank’s effort is intended to transform society and Rainbow Savings Scheme is a classic example of the same. He also said that a trans-friendly or inclusive labour culture is the need of the hour and this is a big step towards the inclusive revolution. Many transgender people from different parts of the state participated in the function.
The new scheme comes with a high-interest rate and advanced debit card facilities. Also, default credit of interest to the account is another attractive feature of the scheme. Mr. George Thomas, EVP, ESAF Small Finance Bank, and Mr. Christudas K.V., CEO, ESAF Co-operative, also spoke on the occasion.
