KARAIKUDI: Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram has launched Biometric Smart Card of Union Bank of India.

Hawkers and small traders could avail loan from the bank using the card, the minister said.

He also distributed about Rs 4 crore welfare assistance to nearly 400 people coming under BPL.

About 2,500 roadside traders and petty shop owners were provided with the card. The bank had also come forward to repay loans of the members of the small help group.