RBI urges stronger credit linkages for RSETI trainees in Tripura as only 39% access bank loans. Officials stress entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and coordinated banking support to transform rural youth into job creators and boost sustainable economic growth.
Strengthening credit linkages for trainees of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) has emerged as a critical priority for promoting entrepreneurship in Tripura, as only 39 per cent of trained beneficiaries have successfully accessed bank loans so far. The concern was highlighted by the Deputy General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India during the valedictory session of a week-long Financial Literacy Programme held in Agartala on Friday.
Addressing participants and officials, the RBI representative emphasized that skill development initiatives can achieve their true objective only when trainees are able to establish viable enterprises with adequate financial backing. While RSETIs across Tripura have been conducting entrepreneurship development programmes in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, food processing, and small-scale industries, the limited access to institutional credit remains a significant bottleneck.
According to officials, RSETIs have trained hundreds of rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs in recent years. However, the transition from training to enterprise creation has been slower than expected due to insufficient loan disbursement. The Deputy General Manager pointed out that without timely and adequate credit support, many trainees are unable to purchase machinery, procure raw materials, or secure workspace—key requirements for launching micro and small businesses.
He noted that the government’s broader vision now focuses on nurturing “job givers” instead of “job seekers.” Encouraging self-employment and micro-enterprise development is seen as a sustainable solution to unemployment, particularly in rural areas. However, he stressed that credit remains the backbone of entrepreneurship. Without financial inclusion and easier access to loans, the objective of economic empowerment cannot be fully realized.
The RBI official urged banks and financial institutions to adopt a more proactive approach in supporting RSETI-trained candidates. Enhanced coordination among RSETIs, district administrations, and banking institutions was identified as essential to improve the current 39 per cent credit linkage ratio. Officials suggested that structured follow-ups, simplified loan procedures, and closer monitoring could help bridge the gap between training and financing.
The Financial Literacy Programme also underscored the importance of responsible banking practices. Participants were educated about safe digital transactions, maintaining proper documentation, understanding loan terms, and preparing feasible business plans. Officials observed that financial literacy not only helps individuals secure loans but also protects them from fraud and ensures the effective use of credit facilities.
Speakers at the event reiterated that the success of RSETI programmes should not be assessed solely on the number of individuals trained. Instead, the real measure lies in the number of sustainable enterprises established and the employment opportunities generated as a result. A stronger credit ecosystem, they said, would significantly enhance the impact of government-backed skill development schemes.
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With Tripura aiming to accelerate rural development and generate local employment, strengthening credit linkages for RSETI trainees is expected to play a pivotal role. The RBI official expressed optimism that improved collaboration between stakeholders would empower more trained youth to launch successful ventures. Such initiatives, he added, would contribute to income generation, poverty reduction, and long-term socio-economic progress across the state.
