Bhubaneswar: The 178h State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting was held, here on Thursday. The meeting was jointly chaired by Odisha Development Commissioner (DC) Ms. Anu Garg and UCO Bank Executive Director V.N. Kamble.
Ms. Anu Garg, in her address, highlighted the need for achieving 100 percent Annual Credit Plan (ACP) target to the tune of Rs. 2.11 lakh crore for the FY 2024-25. Due attention to be laid by all banks on credit flow to Housing, Education and Export sector. Development Commissioner cum ACS emphasized on minimising the regional imbalance in credit flow to all segments of the society including women, SC & ST and weaker section.
Ms. Garg emphasized on adequate financing under PM-SVANidhi as the scheme is being reviewed regularly by the Prime Minister.
She urged upon the bankers to support recently launched “Financial Assistance to Cold Storage” scheme, aimed at strengthening storage eco system of the State to minimise the post-harvest Ioss and prevent distress sale by farmers.
Ms. Anu Garg urged all banks to extend higher quantum of credit to improve the Credit to GSDP ratio of the State.
Development Commissioner disclosed that the Nabard has projected the ACP target at Rs.2.52 lakh crore for FY 2025-26.
Executive Director, UCO Bank, V.N. Kamble appreciated the bankers for achieving 68.95% of Annual Credit Plan (ACP) target as on 31st December and 100% target in all social security schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY and PMJDY.He urged upon the banks to put concerted efforts to achieve 100% ACP (Rs. 2.11 lakh crore) for the FY 2024-25. He expressed his concerns regarding poor performance of bankers in PM-Vishwakarma scheme, reduced no.of applications for SHG Loan and registration issues in Housing sector.
Regional Director, RBI, Dr. S.P. Mohanty in his speech, pointed out the high retail and food price inflation in Odisha, low credit growth rate in the State as compared to National Level and the initiative taken by RBI to promote financial literacy and cyber security across the State.
The Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Saswat Mishra, emphasised on improving performance by private sector banks in government sponsored schemes like PMEGP, PMFME, PM Mudra, Stand up India. He suggested to form a separate committee to examine credit flow in Housing and Education sector. He also asked SLBC convenor to provide claim settlement statistics in social security schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture & FE Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee apprised the Committee in detail about the newly launched scheme on “Financing to Cold Storage”. He informed the meeting that State government has made the scale of finance uniform for all districts in the State. He also appreciated the efforts of bankers in MKUY scheme meant to support Agri-Entrepreneurs in the State.
SLBC convenor, senior officials of State and Central government, NABARAD and Regional Controlling Heads of all banks were also present in the meeting.
