THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala on Friday became the first ‘total banking state’ in the country, with the unique distinction of each household in all the 14 districts having at least one bank account and banking facilities available within the reach of people everywhere.The concerted efforts of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) for the past few years, taking cue from the astounding success of the campaign in Palakkad four years ago, have resulted in the successful implementation of the ‘Total Financial Inclusion’ programme in the state.Making the landmark announcement at a meeting held here under the auspices of the SLBC, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that even as the state had added yet another first to its credit, the banks should shed their conservative approach and contribute much more to expedite the development process in the state.“The rate of economic growth in the state is on a par with many other states, butdefinitely much below itspotential.Why can’t the state achieve a double digit growth rate?’’ he asked,delivering the keynote address at themeet.“The banks are stated to provide 22 per cent credit for the state out of the deposits mobilised here.The state needs more support andinvestment in infrastructure, education, tourism and quality health care.The achievements of the banks in the state through FIP is a matter of pride, but not an end in itself,’’ said.The Chief Minister also said that the state was all set to brand itself as an equity in the development front through the forthcoming `Emerging Kerala’ and urged all the concerned to create a new atmosphere and culture in the state.Chandy asked the banks to extend more support to education loans.“Our future lies in education.Any investment in it will not go waste,’’ he said.“Addressing the demands of the needy is a social obligation,’’ Chandy said.While Canara Bank, the SLBC convenor in the state, led the drive for the totalFinancial Inclusion Plan, other participating banks under district-level lead banks also put their efforts in identifying the villages.The Chief Minister dedicated all the banking channels in the 127 identified villages in the state for realising the Financial Inclusion Plan by presenting a plaque to S Raman, chairman and managing director, Canara Bank, on the occasion.Rural Development Minister K C Joseph launched the Smart Cards issued by the participating banks.Chief Secretary P Prabhakaran, RBI regional director Sudha Varma, NABARD chief general manager K C Sasidhar, Canara Bank executive director Archana S Bhargava, SBT chief general manager Balachandran and others spoke.
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