Only those who don't have eyes & ears say there is no growth: FM

Chidambaram said that earlier the impression was that the banking industry meant for the rich people

The finance minister on Saturday said only those who did not have eyes and ears were stating that there was no growth happening in the country.

“Only those who do not have eyes and ears, are saying that there is no growth. If you ask for more growth and fast growth, then I will accept,” P Chidambaram said after inaugurating the State Bank of India’s 14,999th branch at Kalayarkovil in Tamil Nadu’s  Sivaganga district.

He also said that all banks should oblige the government's policy to take banking services across the country.

“Like any other basic necessities suchy as hospitals, education and roads, bank branches are also important for people. To achieve this, every bank is obliged to follow the government's policy and every banker should also oblige.” (SBI WAY AHEAD IN BRANCH PRESENCE)

During the two-day visit to his constituency, the finance minister opened Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)’s branch on Saturday afternoon and is scheduled to open State Bank of India (SBI's) 15,000th branch in the district, late on Saturday evening.

M Narendra, chairman and managing director, Indian Overseas Bank said this was IOB’s 1,063rd  branch in Tamil Nadu and 475th rural branch in the state.