Odisha CM flags caution for banks delaying disbursal of loans

Bhubaneswar: Flagging caution for the banks not providing loans to livelihood programmes in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the State government will intimate the Finance Ministry about such practice the very day.

Reviewing the steps taken by the government to tackle Covid situation in the State during a videoconferencing, Patnaik said the government is working while keeping in mind the livelihood progarmmes as top priority during the epidemic situation.

The government will not tolerate any negligence in sanctioning of loans to farmers, Mission Shakti, Agriculture and MSME sectors. If any negligence was found on the part of banks to sanction loansto these sectors, the same will be informed to the Finance Ministry the same day, the Chief Minister added. Patnaik will hold a review meeting with Collectors and bank authorities on disbursal of the loans.

He expressed satisfaction at the way the government functionaries are taking measures to prevent the spread of Covid. The apprehension on the virus spread during the festive season has been allayed successfully.

Fight against the virus will be managed well during the winter as well, Patnaik said during the videoconferencing adding Odisha has been ranked among the top States for better Covid management. Even the Niti Aayog has lauded the State government, he informed.

Database of priority groups in the State for vaccination is ready and logistics are in place, said the Chief Minister.

Among others, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, Odisha DGP, Development Commissioner, 5T Secretary and senior officials were present in the meeting.