Yogesh K Porwar
H
averi:Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai instructed bank officials that every farmer who visits a bank seeking loan facilities must be granted a loan and all banks must operate in a farmer-friendly manner.
Presiding over both the district-level progress review committee and the district-level bankers’ advisory committee meeting held on Monday at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium,he said that every eligible farmer across all district banks must receive loan facilities.
While entrepreneurs are generally well informed about the procedures for obtaining loans, farmers often lack such information.
Therefore, banks must provide all necessary guidance—including assistance in filling out loan application forms—and work in a supportive and friendly manner towards farmers.
Bommai further stressed that officials and bankers should work in close coordination to achieve the targets for both agricultural and non-agricultural loans as well as financial assistance schemes.
By disbursing loans, banks play a crucial role in strengthening the economy, creating jobs, and boosting GDP.
Recognizing that economic reforms are a major undertaking and that bankers serve as the financial custodians of the country.They must act responsibly and with full awareness of this importance.
He added that these meetings, which are held every three months,must lead to tangible improvements and that banks should strictly adhere to the prescribed Credit-Deposit (CD)ratio norms.
Assisting hardworking and achievement-oriented individuals brings personal satisfaction and contributes to better overall performance.
Bommai also pointed out that the central government has rolled out several schemes to provide financial assistance—from street vendors to large-scale entrepreneurs. Under the Mudra Yojana,1.65 lakh people in the district have already received loan facilities.
In addition,loan provisions are available for agriculture-dependent sectors such as dairy farming, fisheries, and small-scale industries.
He directed officials to increase promotional efforts to ensure that these schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries.
According to RBI guidelines,he instructed that bank branches must be opened in villages with a population of 5,000.
Specifically, he directed the establishment of branches in various villages—including Kancharagatti and Kalasuru.
Regarding microfinance institutions, Bommai warned that they must not resort to coercive measures for loan recovery.
These institutions do not have the authority to lock houses and must assess the borrower’s financial condition before granting loans.
Moreover, they should not employ goons for loan recovery and must conduct all transactions strictly in accordance with RBI guidelines.The district authorities form a committee to monitor the activities of microfinance institutions.
Expressing regret over the fact that, despite significant deposits by residents in Haveri district (including areas like Dharwad, Gadag, and Haveri) at KCC Bank,locals are not receiving loans,he instructed the Lead Bank Manager to immediately write to the RBI requesting the opening of a regional branch of KCC Bank in Haveri to better serve the people.
Additionally, he directed various officials to ensure that targets in all sectors, including agriculture, are met within the stipulated timelines.
He also ordered that a letter be sent to the central office regarding the representatives who were absent from the meeting.
Bommai stressed that no farmer should leave the bank with the impression that they were unable to secure a loan.
Since Haveri is predominantly an agricultural district, special priority must be given to providing loan facilities to farmers.
He reviewed the progress of several schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Pasal Bima Yojana, Amrut Kurigayi Yojana, and Swanidhi Yojana.
Lead Bank Manager Annayya provided detailed information on the progress of the district banks.
The meeting was attended by District Officer Dr.Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, Zilla Panchayat CEO Smt. Ruchi Bindal,Regional Officer Somashekar of KVB Bank, Rangnath from Namabard,Deepak Kumar from Union Bank,and other regional bank officials.
