Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday called upon the banks to keep extending loans to deserving applicants to keep the state economy on revival track post COVID-19 pandemic.
Reviewing credit linkage to farmers, Mission Shakti groups and MSMEs with collectors and bankers, the chief minister appreciated the efforts of the banks during the lockdown period risking their lives. The momentum must continue till every loan aspirant gets his due, he added.
Stating that the lending rate by the banks to the farmers has improved, he said their performance in Sonepur, Balangir and Sundargarh districts has been satisfactory. He congratulated State Cooperative Bank, Canara Bank and Bandhan Bank for their achievement in this sector.
In respect of credits to Mission Shakti groups, the banks’ performance in Sambalpur, Kandhamal, Nuapada and Balasore districts is appreciable, Naveen said.
Stating that loan to the SHGs has been the top priority of the state government, the chief minister hoped that the banks will achieve their target in next three months and he would hold another review meeting on February 26.
Senior officers of the departments concerned were present at the meeting.