Political parties should keep national programmes out of its election manifesto, said former Speaker B L Shankar. Speaking at a seminar on ‘Role of rural banks in the development of rural areas and need for its restructure,’ he said all the political parties should consider education, housing, agriculture, health, rural finance as national programmes. It should not be utilised in election manifesto for cheap publicity.

Rajya Sahakara Marata Mahamandala President S L Dharmegowda said rural banks are responding to the problems of the needy.

Chiko Bank President Nagaraj Udupa, Okkuta Honourary President S Revanna were present.