MoS Finance bats for more banks in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jan 8:

Odisha can reap the benefits of various Central Government schemes including Jan Dhan Yojana, MUDRA and Jan Suraksha Yojana etc by facilitating more banks and ATMs in the state, said Union Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha in Bhubaneswar today.

jayant sinha

“There are many areas where Odisha and the Union Government can work together more closely. Financial inclusion is the top priority for us and the series of programmes launched for this end will benefit the state a lot with opening of more bank branches and ATMs. We will work together in that direction and I look forward to collaborate with the state on the matter,” he said speaking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the state Secretariat here.

Chief Minister Patnaik brought several matters pertaining to Odisha’s interest to his notice including facilitation of funds for various schemes such as the ones being implemented in KBK districts, accelerated irrigation programme, new medical colleges etc.

While the Chief Minister sought Sinha’s help for taking banking to areas that are not currently covered, the Finance Minister briefed him about the initiatives he has been taking on this regard.

Notably, earlier in the day, he held a meeting with the bankers of the state and advised them to open branches at panchayat level in areas that are not represented by banks at the moment.

Apart from banking and economic affairs, at a press conference held at the state BJP headquarters later in the day, Sinha thanked BJD for supporting the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Bill and pulled up Congress for stalling the parliament and not allowing crucial bills to be passed.

“Congress is conspiring not to let the GST Bill get passed in the Parliament and posing hurdles in the country’s development process by stalling the proceedings of Parliament during the session. We are, however, hopeful that the bill will be passed in the next session,” said Sinha in the press conference.

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