Tripura Finance Minister urges banks to adopt liberal, people-friendly lending policies at the Mega Agriculture Outreach Programme in Kakraban, highlighting the need for simplified loan procedures to support farmers. RBI officials stress expanding financial inclusion and customer-oriented banking services.
Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy urged banks to adopt liberal, transparent, and people-friendly lending policies. He delivered this message during the Mega Agriculture Outreach Programme held at the Kakraban Community Hall, an event organised by Punjab National Bank to strengthen financial literacy and agricultural credit support in the region.
Addressing a large gathering of farmers, Self-Help Groups, and local residents, the Finance Minister underlined the persistent challenges faced by the farming community in securing timely loans. Despite multiple government schemes designed to support agricultural development, he said that many beneficiaries remain unable to avail themselves of these opportunities owing to complicated documentation procedures and rigid banking norms.
“Banks must focus on the genuine needs of common people. I have received feedback that many individuals struggle to access bank loans due to documentation barriers. Farmers need timely credit support to sustain their livelihoods, and therefore bankers should come forward with liberalised guidelines and customer-oriented policies,” the minister emphasized.
He further noted that simplifying eligibility requirements and easing procedural complexities would enable farmers to more effectively utilise government-backed schemes, credit guarantees, and subsidy programmes. According to him, a people-centric approach by banks can significantly boost rural economic growth and enhance productivity across the agricultural sector.
The meeting also featured an engaging and informative address by Surendra Nidar, General Manager (OIC) of the Reserve Bank of India, Tripura Regional Office. He highlighted the expanding reach of banking services and the progressive shift toward financial inclusion in remote and rural areas. “Banks today are offering customer-oriented services up to the grassroots level for the benefit of marginal sections of society. The government is also extending multiple facilities through the banking system. People must become aware of the services and benefits provided by the Reserve Bank of India and make full use of them,” he said.
Nidar underscored the importance of public awareness, urging citizens—especially farmers and small entrepreneurs—to remain informed about new RBI initiatives, credit facilities, digital banking tools, and grievance-redressal platforms. According to him, informed customers are better equipped to utilize modern financial opportunities and protect themselves from fraud, misinformation, and unnecessary financial burdens.
The Mega Agriculture Outreach Programme served as a crucial platform for bridging gaps between farmers, banking officials, and elected representatives. The event allowed participants to directly interact with bank managers, seek clarification on loan requirements, learn about credit-linked schemes, and submit applications for agricultural lending and rural enterprise development.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the on-spot sanctioning of loans to individual farmers and Self-Help Groups. This practical support underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening financial inclusion and empowering rural communities. The sanctioned loans will assist farmers in procuring seeds, fertilizers, agricultural equipment, and other essential resources ahead of the upcoming cultivation seasons.
The programme was attended by several notable dignitaries, reflecting its importance for the region’s socio-economic development. The distinguished guests included Jitendra Majumder, MLA of Kakraban Constituency; Abhishek Deb Roy, MLA of Matabari Constituency; Debal Deb Roy, Zilla Sabhadhipati of Gomati District; Supriya Saha, Chairperson of Kakraban Panchayat Samiti; Rituraj Krishna, DGM & CH, PNB; Bijan Kumar Mishra, AGM & Dy CH, PNB; and Anindya Datta, BDO Kakraban.
Representatives from Punjab National Bank reiterated their commitment to supporting farmers and rural entrepreneurs by improving credit access and promoting financial awareness. They highlighted the bank’s ongoing efforts to expand customer-friendly services, including simplified loan procedures, doorstep banking, and digital banking solutions.
The finance minister’s call for people-centric lending is expected to boost discussions within banking circles regarding reforms that prioritize transparency, flexibility, and accessibility. Experts believe that such initiatives can have a transformative impact on rural economies by enabling more farmers to invest confidently in their agricultural activities.
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The event concluded with a renewed sense of optimism among attendees, many of whom expressed hope that liberalised banking practices would soon become a reality. The Mega Agriculture Outreach Programme reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that farmers and rural communities receive the financial support they need to prosper.
