Patnaik speaks to Modi on farmers plights, seeks RBI's review

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct Reserve Bank of India to review its decision of not allowing District Central Cooperative Banks to exchange demonetised notes and said his government stands committed to every anti- corruption measure that benefits common man.
"I would request your goodself to personally intervene in the matter and direct the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to review its decision on withdrawal of facilities from the District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCB) and allow them to take part in the implementation of the scheme," Patnaik wrote in a letter to Modi.

He also spoke to the Prime Minister over phone and drew his attention to the farmers' plights following demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Earlier, the RBI had prohibited the DCCBs to refrain from exchanging demonetised notes.
Stating that 44 lakh farmer families, who have taken agricultural loans, have been affected due to the ban imposed by RBI on DCCBs, the CM said this would severely affect paddy procurement.
In his letter, Patnaik also mentioned that the DCCBs have been playing pivotal role in Odisha by dispensing crop loans to the extent of around 65 per cent through their affiliated Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and catering to the requirement of around 44 lakh agricultural families under Kisan Credit Card Scheme.