Banks told to complete procedures for implementing DBTL

Create awareness on linking Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts: ZP CEO

The district lead bank has instructed the banks in Dakshina Kannada to complete all the procedures for implementing Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG (DBTL) under Aadhaar, well in advance, as the facility is likely to be introduced in the district from January 1, 2014.

Lead bank of the district - Syndicate Bank Deputy General Manager I T Sethuraman asked the banks to clear all the process pertaining to the introduction of the new system by November. The direction was given despite the Supreme Court’s interim order which was passed on Monday stating that the government can not make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the government’s services. Further, clarifying his statement, he said “despite the SC order, the banks should be ready with the necessary arrangements to introduce the scheme, till the fresh government order is received.”

In the district-level lead bank review meeting at Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat on Thursday, the banks were asked to work out strategies to give extensive publicity to create awareness among the LPG consumers on the need for linking Aadhaar numbers to their bank accounts to get LPG subsidy. Under DBTL, LPG customers will receive benefits directly to their bank accounts, if their Aadhaar numbers are linked to the bank account.

ZP Chief Executive Officer Thulasi Maddineni said that the new system could be effectively implemented with the co-operation of LPG dealers. The gas dealers should be asked to hand over pamphlets on DBTL to each and every household to create awareness among customers, she insisted.

Improve CD ratio

In his opening remarks, I T Sethuraman called upon the banks to improve the credit-deposit ratio. “Despite a marginal increase in the CD ratio as compared to the corresponding figure of previous year, from 51.46 per cent to 53.80 per cent this year, there is scope for improvement. A lot has to be done by the bankers to achieve the satisfactory CD ratio of 60 per cent by the end of this fiscal year,” he said.

Tips to bankers

Nabard Assistant General Manager Prasad Rao suggested the banks to lend loans to the interested entrepreneurs to establish godowns to store agriculture produce. “With the introduction of Food Security Bill, there is a scope for construction of godowns. The district at present has godowns with the storing capacity of 70,000 metric tonnes while there is a requirement of additional godowns with 55,000 metric tonnes capacity. Under Gram Bhandar Yojana, constructing a godown unit would cost Rs 3,500, per metric tonnes,” he said. Chairing the meeting, ZP CEO Thulasi Maddineni emphasised the banks to complete the credit linkage by December to avoid the last minute rush. She also urged the banks to identify a person in each office who can guide customers specially those from weaker section of the society who seek loans under government schemes.