Amethi, Apr 17 (IANS): While long queues of account holders can be seen outside banks to withdraw money, officials in Amethi have made arrangements for deposit and withdrawal at the doorsteps of area residents, courtesy micro ATMs of the postal department.

Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is the member of Parliament from Amethi constituency, keeps an eye on the goings-on with help of her team as well as district officials.

After she directed district officials through a videoconference on April 6 to ensure glitch-free transfer and withdrawal of money put in the accounts of hundreds of beneficiaries in her constituency to tide over the coronavirus crisis, District Magistrate Arun Kumar arranged for the micro ATMs in view of the possibility of huge gatherings that would have violated social distancing norms.

Almost all gram panchayats in the district now have been given this ATM facility, the DM said.

A total of Rs 22.11 crore has been disbursed to 67,125 beneficiaries in Amethi. As many as 7,843 people have been given old-age pension, with financial help also given to 6,011 destitute women and 1,079 physically challenged persons.

As many as 4,726 daily wagers and workers have been transferred Rs 1,000 each in their bank accounts. As many as 3.70 lakh women have been extended help of Rs 500 each.

Amethi district administration has also ensured arrangement of home-delivery of essential items to people at their homes through 708 shops.