State Bank of India (SBI) has adopted 21,000 girl children so far through its village adoption programme to meet their educational expenses, according to Director of the Central Board of the Bank D.N. Balodhi.
Speaking at “SBI Ka Apna Gaon (namadhu gramam)” programme at Kalikanaickenpalayam here on Monday, he said the bank had 17,500 branches across the country. The Government of India had 60 per cent share in the bank. Apart from implementing various government schemes, the bank was also focusing on financial improvement of farmers and those in rural areas. It had a programme in association with agricultural scientists to encourage farmers to adopt new technologies and get better yield in their farms. Through Hariyali Ganga, another scheme of the bank, youth were encouraged to set up industries in rural areas. The focus in this scheme was on the environment.
Mr. Balodhi said the bank gave crop loan up to Rs. 1 lakh at five per cent interest without collateral security. For loans up to Rs. 3 lakh, the interest was five per cent to farmers who were prompt in repayment. Loans of Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh were given at nine per cent interest. The condition here also was prompt repayment.
Under the village adoption programme, two girl children were adopted in every village and their education was supported by the bank for five years. In the villages, the focus was on overall development such as health, education and infrastructure, he said.
According to a release, it adopted 209 villages till March 31, 2009 and in 2009-2010 added another 84, including Kalikanaickenpalayam in Coimbatore District. At the function here on Monday, Rs. 19 lakh loans were disbursed to 11 persons.
