Measures discussed to expedite PMEGP cases, promote Financial Inclusion in Kishtwar

Kishtwar: A meeting of the Block Level Bankers’ Committee (BLBC) was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of General Manager District Industry Centre Phulail Singh, focusing on effective implementation of Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) and other credit linked schemes.
The meeting was coordinated by Lead District Manager (LDM) Harsh Rawal.
At the outset, LDM Harsh Rawal presented an overview of the outcomes of various government-sponsored schemes. A detailed discussion was held on the pendency of the PMEGP cases sponsored by District Industries Centre (DIC) and KVIB.
The departments were advised to examine the reasons for delays, which included issues such as borrowers not approaching branches, incomplete documentation, non-availability of shops, and pending Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training. It was emphasized that the DIC should work in close coordination with banks to minimize pendency.
Pendency in the Handicrafts and Handloom sector was also reviewed. Banks informed that all beneficiaries have been contacted, but many were not approaching the branches to complete formalities. The Assistant Director, Handicrafts, was asked to mobilize beneficiaries and ensure proper disposal of cases.
Similarly, the pendency of cases in the Fisheries sector was discussed, with banks reporting that most borrowers have already availed Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans under the Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry schemes. The concerned department was advised to collect a list of pending cases from bank branches through the LDM office and facilitate borrower mobilization.
The meeting also reviewed the recovery of stressed loans under government-sponsored schemes. Banks were directed to submit a list of such cases to the district administration through the LDM office.
Interdepartmental coordination was emphasized to ensure better case disposal, with banks and departments instructed to work together for effective resolution.
The committee stressed the need for better case sponsorship by departments, ensuring proper guidance, knowledge of schemes, accurate project cost estimations, and timely training wherever required. Banks were urged to enhance loan disbursement to meet targets, while rectifications were to be addressed at the bank’s end to facilitate smoother processing.
In terms of social security schemes, all banks were advised to improve progress under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). LDM was directed to ensure the presence of all bank officials in future meetings. The State Bank of India (SBI) was particularly asked to explain its high loan rejection rate, while ICICI, HDFC, and IndusInd Bank officials were noted absent.