Kohima 24 Aug : Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister stated on Tuesday that her government is trying to put into place every government program in the manner that all citizens eligible are covered.In addressing a bankers’ conclave and credit outreach program in Kohima Sitharaman told the audience banks that deal with the most essential financial needs should be able to stay current and up-to-date with technologies that allow mobile banking.
She explained that in Nagaland the government’s goal is to include all citizens who are eligible in every government program due to the nature of the nature topography, terrain and topography that the state is blessed with and with access being a major issue and the only solution to get around it is through mobile connectivity.
Sitharaman spoke about the vital importance of ‘Bank Mitras’ in a state like Nagaland where even a block’s headquarter can be difficult for villager to reach.
She also expressed her delight that Bank Mitras are serving the mission effectively in Nagaland.
She also urged the banks to set up more of them, so that there is more accessibility for the villager.
The Finance Minister has praised Nagaland for its good performance in programs like Atal Pension Yojana, MUDRA and Standup India.
Sitharaman established a target of outreach programmes to start on September 1 and be completed by November 30 and encompassing all eligible beneficiaries to enjoy the benefits of the credit schemes.
Thanking Sitharaman for launching and making the credit outreach program organized and putting in motion a plethora of initiatives that will push Nagaland towards 100% financial inclusion, the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that with this credit outreach banks will extend credit of 223 crore in different schemes, as well as retail loans to the residents of Nagaland.
Rio said that the North East Small Finance Bank has indicated its intention to provide loans of 150 crore rupees to small farmers and entrepreneurs and to open 10 branches in the state.
Sitharaman on Tuesday launched an ATM van mobile of Nagaland Rural Bank funded by NABARD under FIF.
Sitharaman handed out token cheques to all participants of 11 schemes major, totalling around 205 crore rupees.
The Finance Minister announced two projects in the Tribal Development Fund of NABARD.The Finance Minister announced that 100 percent completeness of all farmers who are eligible in the KCC in two project zones in Wokha and Phek districts will be handled by the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank.
sc/arm
