Positive Leap: Uttarakhand CM Pushes for Loan Simplification to Boost Public Welfare
Dehradun, Uttarakhand – In a significant move aimed at empowering citizens and accelerating economic growth, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued clear directives to state officials: simplify loan processes and ensure the maximum benefits of various government schemes reach the populace. This decision, announced during a special meeting of the State Level Bankers Committee at the Secretariat on Friday, underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing public problems and fostering inclusive development.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that “solving public problems should be the top priority.” His instructions specifically highlighted the need for a more accessible loan infrastructure, making it easier for eligible individuals to avail themselves of financial assistance provided under both central and state government initiatives. This focus on loan simplification is expected to cut through bureaucratic hurdles, allowing funds to flow more freely to those who need them most.
Boosting Financial Inclusion Through Loan Simplification
The Chief Minister’s mandate extends beyond mere procedural adjustments. He stressed the importance of increasing the credit-deposit ratio across districts, with a particular focus on the hilly regions of Tehri, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Almora, Pauri, and Bageshwar. While the state’s credit-deposit ratio has seen a modest increase from 54 percent to 54.26 percent in the financial year 2024-25, CM Dhami has set an ambitious target of reaching 60 percent. This push for a higher ratio is integral to fostering greater financial inclusion and ensuring that deposits are effectively channeled into productive loans that stimulate local economies.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister called for streamlining insurance claim processes in agricultural insurance schemes. This measure aims to provide timely relief and support to farmers, reducing the financial burden they often face due to unpredictable weather patterns or other agricultural challenges. Effective loan simplification in this area will be critical for the agricultural backbone of the state.
Public Welfare at the Forefront: Mega Camps for Scheme Benefits
To ensure that citizens can easily access the benefits of public welfare schemes, Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to organize large-scale camps in all districts during October. These camps will serve as a one-stop solution where representatives from various government departments and banks will converge to address public problems and facilitate access to different schemes. This proactive approach underscores the government’s dedication to reaching every eligible beneficiary and simplifying the often-complex application processes.
Uttarakhand’s Achievements in Financial Schemes and the Future of Loan Simplification
During the meeting, officials provided updates on the state’s performance in key financial inclusion programs:
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: Uttarakhand has demonstrated impressive coverage under this scheme, with 48,000 persons per lakh receiving insurance, exceeding the national average of 40,000.
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: The state boasts an average loan disbursement of Rs 93,900 per borrower, significantly higher than the national average of Rs 62,686, indicating robust uptake and effective implementation of the scheme.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana: With 39 lakh accounts opened so far, Uttarakhand leads among hilly states in this crucial financial inclusion initiative.
- Credit and Deposits: The financial year 2024-25 saw a healthy increase of 10.26 percent in advances and 9.09 percent in deposits, reflecting a positive financial trend in the state.
Success stories were also highlighted from state government schemes like the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Scheme and the Chief Minister Swarojgar Yojana, which have shown consistent progress over the last three years. The KCC (Kisan Credit Card) facility has been availed by over 6.10 lakh farmers, with 67 percent being small and marginal farmers, demonstrating effective outreach. Additionally, 70.23 percent of self-help groups (SHGs) in the state have achieved credit linkage, with a 21 percent increase in SHG numbers over the last three years.
Chief Minister Dhami’s resolute focus on loan simplification and maximizing scheme benefits signals a progressive shift in governance, promising greater financial empowerment and improved quality of life for the people of Uttarakhand. This strategic direction aims to ensure that every citizen, especially those in remote and hilly areas, can easily access the financial support they need to thrive and contribute to the state’s prosperity.
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