First Union Territory Level Bankers Committee (UTLBC) meeting of Bankers of Ladakh for the quarter-end was held under the chairmanship of Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Umang Narula on February 14.

Umang Narula enquired about the present banking scenario of Ladakh and also reviewed the previous quarter performances of all the banks serving in the region. He stressed on the need to open more bank branches in the rural areas. 

A detail report on performances under key areas relating to deposits, advances, P/S advances, agriculture advances, assistance under government-sponsored schemes, KCC, NRLM, KVIB, KVIC, DIC, SC/ST, Handicraft, Handloom, Mudra loan, disbursements under Stand up India scheme, were presented by the banks and concern officers.

Advisor Narula also emphasized on the need to find out the reasons for shortcomings in achieving targets on part of Banks and government departments. He urged to look for viable solutions rather than getting in counter-arguments. He strongly pointed out the lack of information dissemination and a lack of awareness generation among masses about various schemes under banking services. 

The banks and concerned departments were directed to ensure clear communication about banking benefits at the grass root level.

Umang Narula directed Director Agriculture to share data on PM Kissan beneficiaries with banks to cover them under KCC by February 24 as per Government instructions. He also directed to establish new offices of NABARD and KVIC in Leh.

Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner Secretary also recommended the banks to organise financial literacy camps, loan melas and awareness camps at block levels to improve credit flow. Also to aware people of the centre sponsored schemes. He further directed the banks to submit their detail programme schedule with date and venue.

Later, Director SBI RSETI Tsering Wangmo also shared the status/progress of RSETI.

Sachin Kumar Vaishya, DC, Leh;  Binod Kumar Mishra, General Manager SBI; Parvendar Bharti, Regional Manager, SBI; Tsering Morup, Convener UTLBC Leh; Chetan Paljor, President J&K bank; Janak Raj Angural, Chairman, J&K Grameen Bank and officers of line department and managers of different banks were also present.