Chümoukedima Deputy Commissioner Polan John urges banks to prioritise agricultural lending and improve credit delivery
DIMAPUR — Chümoukedima Deputy Commissioner Polan John has urged banks operating in the district to prioritise lending to agriculture and allied activities, strengthen credit delivery and work closely with concerned departments to achieve their targets.
He also called on banks to organise awareness programmes and credit outreach camps to improve access to banking services and government-sponsored schemes.
John was speaking at the District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting for the quarter ended June 2026-27, held at Brookside, DC Office Complex, Chümoukedima, on October 16.
The meeting reviewed credit flow to priority sectors, including agriculture and allied activities, self-help groups (SHGs), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and weaker sections.
Members also discussed lending under government-sponsored schemes, loan recovery, the opening of banking outlets in rural and underserved areas, and the performance of Business Correspondents.
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Regarding the PM SVANidhi scheme, the Deputy Commissioner said the matter would be taken up with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Chümoukedima and Medziphema to encourage private banks to extend support to eligible beneficiaries.
On the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, John informed the meeting that 39 applicants had registered through the ongoing Seva Setu Camp in the district.
He said rooftop solar installations could help reduce electricity bills and ease power-related problems, urging banks to assist applicants in completing the process.
The meeting also reviewed financial literacy programmes and camps, along with the implementation of social security schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Participants discussed challenges and measures required to improve implementation.
Lead District Manager (LDM) Nenei Hangshing stressed the need to improve the district's credit-deposit (CD) ratio and urged banks to comply with prescribed rules and regulations while ensuring efficient banking services for the public.
She also called for greater awareness of education loans among students and young people, encouraging banks to organise regular credit outreach programmes to familiarise them with available loan facilities.
Hangshing thanked the Deputy Commissioner and bank representatives for their cooperation during her tenure and sought their continued support for the incoming LDM to improve banking services in the district.
The meeting began with the adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting held on July 28, followed by discussions on the performance of banks, credit flow to various sectors and the progress of government-sponsored schemes.
The meeting was attended by the Lead District Officer of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), branch heads of banks operating in the district, and representatives of various government departments and banking institutions.
In his closing remarks, John appreciated Hangshing for her contribution and leadership, expressing hope that the issues and suggestions raised during the meeting would be followed up by banks and concerned departments.
He also proposed a concept note for a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by banks to support the development of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.