Financial inclusion hit as two-third GPs unbanked: Odisha CM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 1:

Financial inclusion has been severely affected as 75 per cent gram panchayats in the state do not have banks, Odisha Chief Minister told Chief Economic Advisor to Government of India during a meeting here today.

Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian today paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the state secretariat here.

“As 75 per cent gram panchayats in the state do not have banks, financial inclusion has been hit. So, we need to open more banks in the unbanked regions,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told Subramanian.

According to sources, the duo discussed the economic development and implementation of developmental schemes in the state besides improved internet facility and, tourism development. This apart, issue of introduction of flight services from Bhubaneswar to South-East Asia, East Asia and Middle East countries was also discussed during the brief meeting.

Subramanian was in the capital city to participate in a conclave on ‘Economic Survey Outreach’ organised by the Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB).

Among others, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Upendra Nath Behera and Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan were present in the meeting.