Yogesh K Porwar & Sunil Lohan
H
averi:Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai urged bank staff to change their attitude according to the times and work in a farmer-friendly and people-friendly manner.The nationalised banks must provide services competitive with private banks.
Chairing the district-level Bank Progress Review Committee meeting held at the District Panchayat Auditorium on Thursday,he said that banks should provide timely loans to farmers,youth,women,and SC-ST communities.They must create confidence among the poor that they are on their side.
“When poor people come to the bank,instill confidence in them and provide reassurance about solving their difficulties.Do not simply meet minimal targets and present it as an achievement.Ensure that government schemes reach the people properly,”he added.
He also stressed the need to organize awareness camps to ensure more people benefit from schemes like Jan Dhan,Vishwakarma,PM Svanidhi,Mudra,and education loans.I will also participate in these camps.These initiatives will help in promoting self-employment locally. Lead bank must provide the necessary guidance.
Low CD Ratio:
The former CM issued a stern warning, stating that banks with poor CD (Credit-Deposit) ratios and inadequate performance are not needed in the district. The CD ratio of Karnataka Bank was low and must be corrected by December.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Akshay Sridhar noted that in the previous meeting, banks were instructed to open 30 branches in rural areas, but only one branch had been opened so far.
Bommai responded by emphasizing that hesitating to open branches in rural areas is unacceptable.He instructed that branches must be opened in major villages, such as Bank of Baroda in Hosaritti of Haveri Taluk and KVG Bank in Chandapur of Shiggaon Taluk,by December.
Separate DCC Bank:
Bommai mentioned that there has been a struggle for the past 10 years to open a separate DCC Bank for the district.As the first step,a regional office will be opened soon.The KCC Bank exists solely for farmers,so more loans must be provided to farmers,”he stated.
Proper crop survey:
The MP highlighted that Rs.67 crore in crop insurance compensation is due for the 2023 monsoon season. Although a request has been made to the Union Minister to release this amount,video footage of improper crop surveys was shown.
Bommai warned the district administration and agricultural department not to conduct crop surveys from their offices and that proper field surveys must be conducted.He stated that if farmers do not receive compensation, the agriculture department would be directly responsible.
Increase Kisan Credit Cards:
He noted that while there are more than 3,00,000 cattle in the district,only 60,000 Kisan Credit Cards have been issued.
Even if a farmer has taken a crop loan, an additional Rs. 2 lakh can be borrowed for dairy farming under the Kisan Credit Card.NABARD officials brought this to attention.
Bommai instructed the animal husbandry, revenue,and agriculture departments to work together to issue at least 60,000 more credit cards.
He also stressed that if monsoon crops are damaged, compensation must be provided before the start of the winter season,and if winter crops are damaged, compensation must be provided before the next monsoon.
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I will bring this issue to the attention of the central government and discuss it with the Union Ministers,”he said.
Deputy Commissioner,Vijaymahantesh Danammanavar, NABARD DDM,Ranganath S,RBI LDO,Moniraj Brahma, KVG Bank’s,Somashekar Naari,Canara Bank’s,M. Sanjeevkumar,and Lead Bank Manager,Annayya were present at the meeting.
