CM commits to uplift of 'deprived section'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 29 2021:
Chief Minister N Biren has said that financial inclusion is a national priority to enable inclusive growth and the state government has implemented various schemes to achieve financial inclusion.
The CM was speaking at the Credit Outreach Programme organised by State Bank of India (SBI), Imphal at the Chief Minister's Secretariat here on Friday.
Addressing the gathering, Biren said that the State government is committed to provide financial inclusiveness, especially to support the marginalized and socio-economically neglected classes.
Manipur has topped the list of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) business registration among the smaller states in the country, he pointed out.
He further said that Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) has been implemented for the past four and half years in the State.
A total of 10.10 lakh beneficiaries of 5,13,359 households in the State have been covered, he added.
Biren then mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is leading out of the hardships caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the MUDRA scheme, a total of Rs 356 crore has been financed to 45,349 beneficiaries.
Around 7,466 beneficiaries have been benefited under PM SVANidhi scheme, of which 94 percent of the beneficiaries are women.
He also said that Manipur has topped among the Northeastern states in providing Street Vendor loans under PM SVANidhi scheme.
In addition, 32,000 Kisan Credit cards have been distributed although some have been denied due to their tenant status.
Nonetheless, the central government has been urged to look into ways the tenant farmers could receive the benefits.
Meanwhile, around Rs 114.65 crore has been released for Start-Ups since its launch in 2017, he added.
Presently, there are 52 SBI branches in the state.
Banks operating in the state are now fully cooperating with regard to grant of loans, the CM said, while expressing belief that SBI and other banks will continue to provide their services to the people, as and when required.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the banking services have been improved in the state.
The opening of bank accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in the State is far better than the national average, he added.
The Union Minister then informed that after having a discussion with the Deputy Chief Minister and officials concerned, it was known that the Bank ratio per lakh is only 8 in the State, whereas the national average is 40 .
Thus, to cope up with the situation, instructions have been issued to the banks including private sectors to open their bank branches across the state.
Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad announced that 30 bank branches will be opened before March 31, 2022.He also said that to achieve financial inclusion,.Banks will be organising door to door campaigns for opening of individual bank accounts across the state.
Later, a total of Rs 65.50 crore was disbursed to 1,570 beneficiaries under the Credit Outreach programme.
CM N Biren and MoS Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad also inaugurated SBI branches at Motbung and Jiribam and an ATM at Imphal.
Deputy CM Y Joykumar Singh, education minister S Rajen Singh, deputy speaker K Robindro Singh, Chief General Manager of SBI North East Circle RS Ramesh and others were also present during the function.
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