R. Dhruvanarayan, Chamarajanagar MP, on Thursday asked banks to open more branches in rural areas of Mysuru district to cater to the needs of villagers and to facilitate transactions in the wake of the launch of various welfare schemes.
The MP was speaking at the tri-monthly progress review meeting convened by the district lead bank, which was attended by representatives of nationalised and private banks and officials from various departments. Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, ZP chief executive officer P.A. Gopal, and lead bank manager K.N. Shivalingaiah were present.
Responding to the MP’s suggestion, Mr. Shivalingaiah said that out of the 507 bank branches in the district, 166 are functioning in rural areas.
Reserve Bank has already instructed that branches be opened in all villages with a population of 5,000 and above by March 31, 2017. Accordingly, steps have been taken to open 14 branches shortly, he said.
Mr. Dhruvanarayan told bank officials to be liberal in lending loans to self-help groups (SHGs) that have been prompt in repayment. Mr. Shivalingaiah said the loan recovery from SHGs was 97 per cent last year and stands at 80 per cent this year.
The MP also brought up the complaints received from SC/ST beneficiaries that banks were delaying or not releasing the loan portion after funding the subsidy portion under schemes meant for them.
Mr. Shivalingaiah asked the banks to bring to his notice any problems they come across in lending of loans.
The MP also told banks to ensure progress in lending under MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) scheme. Mr. Shivalingaiah said the progress under MUDRA has been good but called on banks to take steps to ensure complaint-free lending.
He also recalled the complaints from Mysuru MP Pratap Simha at the last meeting on rejection of loans under MUDRA by some banks.
Meanwhile, bank representatives said 2,88,191 Jan Dhan accounts have been opened in over 27 banks, including private banks, in the district. The most number of accounts is in State Bank of Mysore.
DC’s message
With only a month left for registration under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a crop insurance scheme, Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha asked the district lead bank to educate farmers about the scheme. At a meeting with bank officials and heads of the departments at the zilla panchayat auditorium, she said farmers can avail insurance cover under the scheme. The last date for registration is July 30.
