TV
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged private lenders ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank to improve their loan disbursement performance under key welfare schemes, days after their removal from the state’s empanelled list of banks.
During a meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday, the Chief Minister held discussions with senior representatives of the three banks, stressing the need for greater involvement in pro-poor financial initiatives.
According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), these banks had recorded poor performance in disbursing loans under several government-backed schemes, including agricultural credit, the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM SVANidhi, Stand-Up India, housing and education loans, and export finance. In view of this, the state government had de-empanelled the three banks on June 21.
CM Majhi emphasized that providing timely financial support is vital for connecting underprivileged citizens to economic activities and job opportunities. He noted that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is running multiple welfare schemes focused on uplifting the poor and marginalised.
“Banks play a pivotal role in the success of these welfare programmes. They must fulfill their responsibility in ensuring financial inclusion,” said Majhi, urging the banks to step up efforts in loan delivery.
The bank officials present at the meeting reportedly responded positively, assuring the Chief Minister that they are committed to improving their support under the schemes. They promised to take swift and measurable actions to enhance loan coverage across Odisha.
With major festivals and farming cycles approaching, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the banks would act promptly to help beneficiaries in need of timely credit support.
