It is high time tribals start thinking big, said the Project Director, Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) Srinivas R.Reddy on Wednesday.
He was participating as the chief guest at a function organized by the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) at the Tribal Research Centre (TRC) in M.Palada near here to celebrate Financial Independence Day with various primitive tribal groups.
Optimum use
Exhorting tribals to make optimum use of the help being extended to them by the banks and the government, he said that they should evolve ways to move up in life.
Adverting to the skills that many of the tribal groups have been endowed with, he said that they should put them to productive use.
Banks which were initially hesitant to extend loans to tribals were now going with their schemes to the doorsteps of the tribals.
This welcome change should not be allowed to go without returns.
However the tribals should ensure that they are always prompt in repaying loans.
The Chief Regional Manager, IOB, Coimbatore, G.V.Koorse who presided said that his bank was always ready to give a helping hand to people belonging to the weaker sections of the society.
The Director, TRC, C.Maheshwaran, appreciated the Ooty branch of the IOB for ensuring the economic well being of tribals living 40 kilometres away.
Distribution of loans worth Rs. 42 lakh marked the occasion. Senior Manager, IOB, S.Alagarsamy welcomed the gathering. Rural Development Officer Banu Preetha proposed a vote of thanks.
