Agricultural loans to be surpassed soon: Chidambaram

Karaikal, Dec 8 (UNI) Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram today suggested that the nationalised banks could liberally extend loans to all necessary sectors as an unprecedented nine per cent growth has been achieved following reforms evolved by the government.

Inaugurating a branch of the Bank Of India at Thirunallar here, Mr Chidambaram said the target of Rs 2.25 lakh crore loan for agricultural sector, would be surpassed this year and added a separate wing of the Finance Ministry would look into the complaints of those who were denied educational loans.

So far, Rs 30 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were provided with bank loans, he said, adding that the government would also encourage healthy competations between nationalised banks.

He said the Karaikal region would be included in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme from April next and added B2 status for Puducherry would be granted soon.

PMK Parliamentary party leader Prof M Ramadass also spoke on the occasion.

UNI