Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi has called for increased participation of banks in the mission to make Puducherry prosperous.
Ms. Bedi, who convened a meeting of bank managers of Puducherry at Raj Nivas, requested the banks functioning in the U.T. to be an active partner in meeting the goals of “Swachh, Safety and Skill - the three pillars on which the Prosperous Puducherry mission rests.”
She suggested that banks take up Swachh challenges such as procuring desilting machines, personal safety gear, construction of community toilets and holding awareness campaigns. Such contributions would significantly help the efforts of municipalities/Public Works Department.
According to the Lt. Governor, banks could also give a helping hand to the Traffic Police in procuring CCTVs for road safety, speed detectors, masks/ fluorescent jackets / white coats, umbrellas and gumboots.
Another area where banking institutions could assist the administration was in the skill development mission. Ms. Bedi wanted banks to help with hosting computer training programmes and strengthening ITl infrastructure. V. Candavelou, Development Commissioner, stated that about Rs. 10,000 crore was being held as deposit by the banks and sought contribution to discharge their Corporate Social Responsibility towards #Prosperous Puducherry.
D Devaraj, convenor, State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC), while assuring them the support of the banks stated that the SLBC would evolve a comprehensive support plan at its meeting scheduled on July 4. The Lt. Governor requested the Development Commissioner to constitute a committee with representation of Municipality, Police, PWD, Welfare, IT and SLBC to work out the details.
The meet was represented by managers of 32 banks. Senior officers of the U.T. Administration including were present.
