Gogoi asks PSU banks to discharge social duties in Assam

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has urged the public sector banks to not be confined only to business houses but to play an important role in overall development of the state by discharging their social responsibilities. Addressing the Special State Level Bankers' Committee meeting last evening, Gogoi called upon the nationalised banks to increase the credit-deposit ratio in Assam.

He pointed out that the credit-deposit ratio of the banks in Assam is much lower than the national average. "The Chief Minister expressed the view that the role of the banks should not be confined to business alone and they should also play a pivotal role in the overall development of the state.

He hoped that the banks would also discharge their social responsibilities in the days ahead," an official release said. Gogoi asked the banks to ensure that the common man gets more access to banking facilities. "The common man must get more access to banks. This will ensure more economic prosperity," the release said quoting him.

He also urged the lenders to simplify the process of granting loans. Gogoi opined that the banks can explore the possibility of arranging loan recovery mela along with the loan mela.

Talking about loans to women, he said: "The women SHGs are doing exceedingly well and have good records of repayment of loans. They are managing their finances well by keeping their records properly. The banks must extend assistance to such SHGs to prosper financially."