The state of Kerala is likely to set benchmark for all by ticking up to the top place and being the first to achieve 100% financial inclusion in the country.

An announcement affirming the same is likely to come up by month end, said Ms Archana Bhargava, executive director of Canara Bank.

The state has a total of 127 villages. All banks in the state which have been given the work of achieving financial inclusion have said that the task would achieve completion by month end.

As part of its goals in this regard, Canara Bank has opened 1.30 lakh no-frills in Kerala.

Ms Bhargava commented that with around 6 lakh villages existent in the country, a mere 30,000 have banking amenities reached out to them till now.