CM to banks: Work alongside with govt

Shillong, December 20: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma urged the banking institutions operating in the state to take keen interest in the different schemes initiated by the state government in transforming rural economy in far flung areas of the state.

Sangma said, “Banking institutions especially those having the largest share of banking networks in the state should work together with the state government in implementing the schemes routed through the different line departments for improving the livelihood activities in the rural areas of the state.”

Speaking as the chief guest at the online opening of 11 branches of the Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) held at the State Convention Auditorium on Friday Sangma reminded that the banks plays a major role in the growth and prosperity of the state.He said, “It is important for the banks to work with the different line departments of the state government so that the objective in reaching out to the remotes areas is achieved.”

.Referring to the state government’s flaghship programme, Sangma said under this nine mission programme of the government, the government wants to reach out to the people and urged the banks to partner with the government by transforming the rural folk into entrepreneurs. ” He added, “However, there is a need to provide support besides knowledge and skills to them to ensure that the activities they undertake can be sustained.”

Sangma informed the government has also introduced a programme on economic empowerment of women which is design to uplift the women issues in rural areas.

Stating that there is a little gap between the banks and the line departments due to some dislocation, he said, “The project is a gigantic one, but if we come and work together we can get our objective of bringing up the projects correct.”

Lauding the efforts made by the MRB in expanding its network, Sangma said, “With the 11 branches becoming functional, we are now able to reach-out to the most difficult far flung areas of the state.”

Making inroads to Garo Hills is also a commendable effort, Sangma remarked while adding one of these is the branch in Mahendraganj in Garo Hills which is located in the corner most part of the state.

Stating that there is a need for coverage to all those unbank villages, Sangma  said the bank should take this opportunity to provide banking facilities to such areas as this will not only increase the financial inclusion to rural areas but will also help in providing job opportunities to educated unemployed youths of the state.

The eleven branches opened today included 3 in East Khasi Hills District, 3 in West Garo Hills, 2 in Ri Bhoi, 2 in Jaintia Hills and 1 in West Khasi Hills District. With this, the MRB has in total 87 branches operating in the state.

Awards to different branches of the MRB for their performance were also presented by Sangma.- By Our Reporter