Raipur, May 18 -- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday virtually inaugurated a branch of Indian Overseas Bank in Jagargunda, benefitting nearly 14,000 people from 12 nearby villages. The opening of a new branch marks a major step forward in financial inclusion in one of the state's most sensitive regions.

According to an official release, after decades of being affected by Left-Wing extremism, the people of Jagargunda in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district will now have access to formal banking services.

"The opening of a bank branch in Jagargunda is a victory of democracy and development over extremism. The double-engine government is committed to revitalising Bastar and is ensuring that the wave of change reaches every villa...