The Government of India is planning to install rural ATMs, called Gramtells at post offices across the country.
The suggestion to set up Gramtells at post offices formed part of the recommendations of the Steering Committee on Micro Finance and Poverty Alleviation, which is being considered by the Planing Commission for incorporation in the Eleventh Plan (2007-2012). The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras will develop the Gramtellers. These Gramtellers will operate by using smart cards and finger prints in place of conventional personal identification numbers and magnetic cards. The Common Service Centres (CSC), developed by the Information Technology Department to take electronic services to villages will also be linked to post Offices to synergise the technology to handle financial products.
