Special Meeting of District Level Coordination Committee of Banks Emphasizes Collaboration for Development
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri June 28,2023 :In a significant effort to promote economic and social development, a special meeting of the district-level coordination committee of banks took place at the Zilla Parishad conference hall, chaired by Shri. Ratnakar Sahu, the Chief Development Officer cum Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad. The meeting, attended by ADM Sri. Maheshwar Chandra Naik, aimed to enhance coordination among banks for the betterment of the district.
During the meeting, Sri. Sahu emphasized the importance of collaboration among bank authorities to facilitate progress. He highlighted the state government’s focus on providing loans to Self-Help Groups and urged all bankers to ensure that SHGs have access to loans. Notably, it was announced that SHG members requiring loans up to fifty thousand or one lakh rupees could avail them directly from the Gram Panchayat-level Mahasangha, bypassing traditional banks.
The government’s commitment to empowering self-help groups was evident, with 4,686 groups receiving loans worth Rs. 95 crores and 76 lakhs as of March 2023, contributing to local economic growth.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the betterment of farmers in the district. Sri. Naik urged bankers to prioritize loans for Agri Clinic and Agribusiness Centers as well as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. This focus on agricultural initiatives aims to boost farming practices and overall agricultural productivity.
Social security measures were also discussed, with 41,233 beneficiaries receiving pensions through Direct Benefit Transfer in the district. Accessibility to banking services for bedridden beneficiaries was highlighted, urging bankers to ensure convenient access, including special queues for disabled and elderly individuals.
During the meeting, Mr. Narsingh Prasad Padhi, a prominent bank manager, welcomed all attendees and provided an overview of the discussions. Mr. Mahit Agarwal,DDM of National Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, reviewed the achievements and targets of bankers across various sectors.
Axis Bank emerged as a leader in disbursing agricultural loans to farmers in the district under the Balaram Yojana scheme. The district administration remains committed to expanding banking services in unbanked gram panchayats, with recent openings of State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda branches in Kadalmetla and Mahupadar, respectively. Furthermore, plans are underway to open an SBI Bank branch in Podia.
The special meeting concluded with Sri. Balaji Patnaik, the Assistant Project Director, expressing gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions towards fostering collaboration and development in the district.
