Give agricultural loans on time, DC tells banks

Banks should ensure farmers in the drought-affected district get loans in time and without hassles, said Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Meena.

“The State government has declared four taluks of the district as drought-affected.

The farmers are the worse affected by the conditions. Agriculturists and people involved in animal husbandry should get loans easily,” he added.

He was speaking at the release of a handout on the Lead Bank District Loan Scheme at the Zilla Panchayat auditorium on Thursday.

“The loan scheme for 2011-12 was a success in the district thanks to the initiative taken by big banks like Canara Bank, Pragathi Grameena Bank and State Bank of India. The banks worked with integrity and candour,” the DC said.

“The performance of the cooperative banks, however, has been disappointing. Efforts have been taken for the rejuvenation of the District Cooperative Bank,” he added.

“The lending limits of agricultural loans for 2012-13 are set at Rs 625.16 crore, of which Rs 564.26 crore is set aside for reservation sector. Agricultural and non-agricultural activities are to get Rs 354 crore,” said Meena.

“The Kolar taluk unit had released up to Rs 177 crore for reservation sector work. “Bangarpet taluk follows, with Rs 143 crore, while Srinivaspur taluk released the least, at Rs 73.22 crore.”

Nabard district manager Jayaprakash Samudre, Ravindra Bhandari, Zilla Panchayat chief executive office P Rajendra Cholan, president Manjula, Reserve Bank officer Balakrishnan, Lead Bank manager Reddaiah Raju and Canara Bank Bangalore Rural Zone deputy general manager Ravindra Bhandari were also present.