Udupi: Udupi Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prateek Bayal has directed banks to ensure that eligible farmers receive timely credit facilities to undertake agriculture and dairy farming activities, with the aim of helping them achieve financial self-reliance.
Chairing the bankers’ committee meeting held at the Rajatadri district office complex in Manipal on September 3, Bayal also urged bank officials to adopt a friendly and supportive approach towards farmers, the general public and women beneficiaries visiting branches to access various banking services.
Banks told to support farmers
Bayal stressed the importance of ensuring that eligible farmers are not deprived of credit facilities required for agricultural and dairy-related activities.
He said timely access to institutional finance can help farmers expand their activities, improve their income and move towards greater financial independence.
He also instructed bank personnel to interact courteously with customers and provide clear information about available banking schemes and facilities.
Particular attention, he said, should be given to farmers and women beneficiaries who approach banks seeking financial assistance.
Awareness drive against cyber fraud
The meeting also discussed measures to prevent financial fraud and protect customers from cybercrime.
Bayal said the Reserve Bank of India has directed banks to use only the 1600 phone number series for transaction-related purposes. He instructed banks to create awareness among customers about the initiative so that they can identify genuine transaction-related calls and avoid falling victim to fraud.
He also directed officials to ensure that victims of cyber fraud are treated with courtesy when they approach banks for assistance.
“When victims of cyber fraud visit banks, they should be treated with courtesy and given advice and other necessary information,” he said.
Bayal stressed the need to educate the public about precautionary measures to prevent cyber fraud and urged banks to provide victims with appropriate guidance on the steps they need to take after a fraudulent transaction.
He added that where compensation is permissible under the applicable rules, eligible victims should be provided the same.
Up to ₹25,000 compensation for eligible cyber fraud victims
RBI Assistant General Manager Nisha Thakur explained the compensation provision available in cases of genuine cyber fraud.
She said that if the loss suffered by an individual is found to be genuine and a complaint is registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or through the National Cyber Crime Helpline within the stipulated period, 85% of the net loss or ₹25,000, whichever is lower, can be compensated.
However, she clarified that the compensation facility can be availed only once by a victim.
The clarification was aimed at improving awareness among customers about both the importance of promptly reporting cyber fraud and the safeguards available under the applicable rules.
Banks asked to promote education loans
Bayal also instructed bank officials to visit educational institutions and create awareness among students about the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Yojana.
The scheme provides access to education loans to help students pursue higher education. Officials were asked to take the information directly to educational institutions so that eligible students can understand the available financial assistance and loan facilities.
The initiative is expected to improve awareness among students, particularly those who may require financial support to continue higher education.
District banking business crosses ₹72,900 crore
Lead Bank Canara Bank’s Regional Manager Tadinada Srinaga Purnanand presented the district’s banking performance at the meeting.
According to the figures presented, as of the end of June, the district’s 440 bank branches had total deposits of ₹48,715.93 crore and advances of ₹24,184.84 crore.
The total banking business turnover stood at ₹72,900.77 crore.
The credit-deposit ratio was 49.64%, compared with the RBI benchmark of 60%. The figures highlighted the scope for increasing credit flow to eligible borrowers and priority sectors.
₹18,532 crore annual credit target
The district has been allocated an annual credit plan target of ₹18,532.26 crore for the current year, covering both priority and non-priority sectors.
Of this target, ₹7,302.87 crore had been achieved by the end of the review period, representing 39.41% of the annual target.
The meeting reviewed the progress under the credit plan and emphasised the need for banks to improve lending to eligible beneficiaries while ensuring that customers receive proper guidance and support.
The discussions covered agriculture, dairy farming, education loans and financial security, with officials stressing the need to strengthen the connection between banking services and the needs of the public.
District Lead Bank Manager Harisha and South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank AGM Rajesh Shetty were among those present at the meeting.