Amid Operation Sindoor and rising tensions, here's how banks & its BC partners ensured uninterrupted services at borders
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Amid rising tensions in the border areas last week, the country’s leading banks and their Business Correspondent (BC) partners ensured uninterrupted banking operations for residents in the affected regions through services like doorstep banking and stepping up efforts to guard against hacking attempts and safeguard sensitive financial data.
The banking facilities are being made available every day, even in the most remote and sensitive locations, reaffirming the sector’s commitment to national service during times of crisis.
BLS E-Services Ltd, India’s largest BC partner for public sector banks, is playing a pivotal role in this nationwide initiative. Operating over 41,500 BC outlets and more than 1,000 BLS stores across the country, including around 7,500 Common Service Centers (CSPs) in critical border states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab, BLS E-Services is working closely with banks to maintain financial access for affected communities.
“During these challenging times, our CSPs are not just service providers—they are frontline soldiers of financial inclusion,” said Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E-Services Ltd. “We are committed to ensuring that no citizen is deprived of essential banking services, whether it is cash withdrawal, deposit, pension disbursement, insurance, or government subsidy schemes. Our teams are on full alert, working extended hours to support the nation.”
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India’s BC industry, which recorded over ₹72,000 crore in Gross Transaction Value (GTV) through 130+ million transactions in FY24, is now stepping up its efforts to bring doorstep banking to even the most challenging terrains. With a rapidly expanding network projected to reach 60,000 BC outlets by FY27, BLS E-Services is leading the charge to make financial services accessible to every corner of the nation.
To further strengthen the security and integrity of these operations, banks have directed all CSPs to install advanced anti-virus software and remain vigilant against potential cyber threats. Special training sessions are also being conducted to equip CSPs with the knowledge and tools required to combat hacking attempts and safeguard sensitive financial data.
“Cybersecurity is as critical as physical security during these times,” said Lokanath Panda, COO, BLS E-Services Ltd. “We are actively guiding our CSPs on the best practices to prevent cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns. This coordinated effort ensures that our systems remain resilient, and our customers continue to receive safe and reliable banking services at their doorstep.”
Bank currency chests have also been instructed to remain operational over the weekends to support seamless cash availability through the BC channels. With heightened due diligence measures in place, banks are carefully monitoring CSP and Sub-KO onboarding processes to prevent any anti-national elements from entering the financial ecosystem.