Shimla DC Urges Banks to Act as Financial Mentors, Not Just Lenders

Shimla, July 24: Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap has urged banks to go beyond their role as lenders and act as guides for loan applicants to ensure greater financial inclusion and improved access to government-backed credit schemes.

Chairing the District Level Quarterly Review and Consultative Committee meeting at Bachat Bhawan, the DC directed all public and private sector banks to expand banking outreach and extend credit to eligible beneficiaries. He announced that the implementation of banking schemes would now be reviewed every 60 days, with the next meeting scheduled for August 24.

The meeting reviewed the progress of key financial inclusion schemes. Officials informed that as of March 31, 2026, the district had opened 1.95 lakh Jan Dhan accounts, enrolled 4.04 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, 1.75 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and 88,058 under the Atal Pension Yojana.

The district has also linked 437 Self-Help Groups with banks, facilitating loans worth ₹12.82 crore. Under the PM SVANidhi scheme, 139 loans amounting to ₹51.10 lakh have been sanctioned, while 67,900 farmers received loans worth ₹3,846.82 crore under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed banks to coordinate with panchayat representatives while organising financial literacy camps to maximise public participation and awareness. He said collaborative efforts by banks and government agencies would help strengthen financial inclusion and drive inclusive economic growth in the district.