Namchi, 6th August(IPR): A District Level preliminary meeting with all the Bank Managers was held at the Conference hall of DAC, Namchi today. The meeting was conducted with regards to the upcoming loan mela and present amongst were District Collector (South) Mr. Ragul K alongside Reserve Bank of India (AGM) Mr. I. Y.T Namcho, Lead Bank (Chief Manager) Mr. Gopal Lama, DDM (NABARD) Mr. Rupen Lamchaney, Additional Director (AH/VS) Dr. Mala Bajgai and State Credit Linkage (Consultant) Mr. Pradeep Bhandari.

The main aim of the meeting was to address the issues related to Krishi Loan Mela and it's affiliated schemes for the banking sector in South District.

DC Mr. Ragul K while addressing the gathering urged the banks to work in co-ordination with the concerned department for the successful implementation of schemes under the department in the district. He also urged that
Kishan Credit Card (KCC) and other allied schemes shall be availed across the district for cash crops. He requested that effective mechanism should be instilled by the concerned department for the distribution of any kinds of schemes in the district.

Lead Bank Chief Manager Mr. Gopal Lama highlighted various guidelines of banking sectors for the subsidy of loans to farmers. He informed that 900 forms has been distributed to the beneficiaries of the district. In addition, the state government has also allocated Rs. 50 crores for agriculture and other allied sectors for upliftment and development of farming practices. In which, the state government is also providing 50 percent subsidy to various farmers in bee keeping , fisheries and piggery farming. He also requested them to provide special attention to the farmers loan and support for the development of agriculture sector in the state as the State Government has assured full backing for the sector.

AGM (RBI) Mr. Namcho informed that till date a total of 2045 applications has already been distributed for the Krishi loan credit. He added that such scheme aimed towards the upliftment of farmers will boost in producing the various farm based products. He said that the support from the banking sector towards the agricultural sector is always welcomed. He requested to provide awareness on KCC and other State Government schemes for ample knowledge and effective working of the banking sector.

Additional Director Dr. Mala Bajgai apprised about the Kishan Loan Mela's objective which is to revive the economic condition of the general masses during this time of COVID-19.
She also highlighted on the procedure of the allocation of forms and detailing of required documents to fulfill criteria for this loan.

This loan maybe applied in various sectors like Agriculture/Horticulture/Animal Husbandry, Bee Keeping, Groceries, Spa, Parlour, Fast Food, Restaurant and in other primary sectors. The bankable loan amount has been set up as Rs. 1.60 Lakh for now with bank end subsidy and is collateral free. Each Constituency is expected to get one hundred beneficiaries from this scheme so that many people can reap the welfare from it.

The meeting also saw the launch of Annual Credit Plan 2020-21of Sikkim. An open discussion between the members of bank representatives and the concerned officals was also held