In a significant push to boost grassroots economic development, the chief executive officer of Dharwad Zilla Panchayat has called upon banking institutions in the district to prioritize and expedite credit access for key sectors. Bhuvanesh Patil, the CEO, emphasized that timely financial support is crucial for farmers, small enterprises, women's self-help groups, and youth seeking self-employment.
Directive at District Bankers' Committee Meeting
Chairing a meeting of the district-level bankers' committee, CEO Bhuvanesh Patil outlined the pivotal role banks play in the region's economic growth. He stated that for various public welfare programs launched by the government to truly benefit common citizens, the efficient functioning of banks is non-negotiable. The meeting served as a platform to review the progress of two critical banking functions: loan disbursement and deposit mobilisation across Dharwad district.
Patil instructed all banks to work in a coordinated manner to improve the credit-deposit ratio further. He specifically urged bank officials to ensure the effective implementation of flagship government schemes. These include:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme)
- Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
- Other ambitious initiatives of the Union and state governments
Eliminating Delays, Fostering Entrepreneurship
The CEO asserted that banks must adopt a cooperative and supportive attitude, particularly when dealing with self-help groups (SHGs) and women entrepreneurs. He issued a clear directive that there should be no unnecessary delays in sanctioning loans. Banks must take proactive steps to ensure that all eligible applicants receive credit facilities promptly, without bureaucratic hurdles.
Focusing on the younger generation, Patil highlighted that banks should not just be lenders but also guides. He called for banks to provide both guidance and financial support to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of Dharwad, thereby creating more job creators and not just job seekers.
CSR Initiatives for Community Development
Moving beyond traditional banking, the CEO also appealed to public sector and semi-government banks to actively fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He asked them to prepare concrete action plans for community development projects. Suggested CSR activities included:
- Opening libraries in Gram Panchayats (GPs).
- Establishing digital classrooms in government schools.
- Repairing and upgrading anganwadi and school buildings.
- Undertaking similar development works to uplift local infrastructure.
The meeting was also attended by Lead Bank district chief manager Basavaraj Gadadavar, who addressed the gathering. This collective review and set of instructions underscore the administration's focus on leveraging banking channels for inclusive and accelerated development in the Dharwad district.
