GUWAHATI, March 17 � With a view to accelerate credit augmentation initiatives and to provide a strong base to the state�s rural economy, Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB) organised a state-level credit camp at NEDFi House here today.
Inaugurating the credit camp, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi lauded the efforts of the AGVB for extending credit to over 76,000 beneficiaries in a single day and called upon the other banks to follow the example set by the AGVB. The Chief Minister also praised the impressive role played by the AGVB in the promotion of the agriculture sector of the state by making credit available at affordable costs and convenience to all sections of farmers.
Gogoi further informed that due to the proactive role of the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, the Govt of Assam has associated with the Bank in implementation of various Govt-sponsored programmes including disbursement of wages of the MGNREGA beneficiaries. He also narrated the different welfare schemes launched by the Govt of Assam for uplift of the rural populace of the state. He also said that Assam is the only state providing interest relief on agricultural crop loans.
Gogoi assured all support to the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank in its mission for rural development. He also called upon the borrowers to repay bank dues in time to ensure recycling of funds.
According to an official of the bank, at a time when despite relentless efforts of the Govt affordable credit is still a distant dream for many rural households of the state, the initiative of the AGVB will provide a firm platform for the unemployed youths to take up agriculture and allied activities and enterprises as mainstream income-generating activities.
�It is also expected that the state-level credit camp organised by the AGVB will help to empower the rural economy of the state, both in terms of promotion of agriculture as well as MSME enterprises,� said the official.
On the other hand, Rockybul Hussain, Minister of Agriculture, Panchayat & Rural Development, Govt of Assam, who was also present in the function, appreciated the steps taken by the AGVB for implementation of financial inclusion plan in the allotted villages. The minister hoped that the initiatives of the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank to provide credit at door-steps will usher in a new era for the people of Assam.
P Srinivas, MD & CEO, United Bank of India, the sponsor bank of the AGVB, expressed his happiness on the performance of the bank and commended the initiative taken by the bank in organizing such State-level credit camps to augment credit needs of the people of the state. Earlier, SS Singh, chairman of the bank, in his welcome address, outlined the various innovative activities as well as future plans of the bank. Singh also informed that the Assam Gramin Vikash Bank is the largest bank of the state in terms of branch network and third largest bank in terms of business.
So far, Self Help Group (SHG) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is concerned, the AGVB is the topper amongst all banks operating in the state with sanction amount of Rs 60,576 lakh and Rs 18,2437 lakh, respectively. Singh mentioned that the AGVB has opened 11,88,831 bank accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the largest by any bank in the state, thus reiterating its commitment towards working for the disadvantaged sections of the society. He also informed that the AGVB has signed a MoU with the Govt. of Assam to provide easy loans to skilled as well as unskilled entrepreneurs under the ANGEL FUND.
In today�s state-level credit camp, the bank sanctioned / disbursed Rs 35048.73 lakh to 76,138 beneficiaries covering agriculture, MSME, retail credit, etc. Out of the total loans, Rs 13,491 lakh was sanctioned / disbursed to 68,847 beneficiaries under the agriculture sector, which included Rs 8,428 lakh under Kisan Credit Card to 16,753 farmers. On the other hand, Rs 9,190 lakh was extended to MSME sector consisting of 3,316 beneficiaries. Out of the total loans granted, Rs 27,863 lakh went to the priority sector covering 74,338 beneficiaries.
AP Sandilya, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Guwahati, also spoke on the occasion. The programme was coordinated by Ramkrishna Sarma, Regional Manager, Guwahati.
