Pankaj stresses on priority sector growth, financial inclusion measures

Kishtwar : The District Level Review Committee (DLRC) met Thursday to assess the performance of banks operating in the Kishtwar district. Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma chaired the meeting held to review achievements for the quarter ending September. The review covered key parameters including priority and non-priority sector lending, the Credit–Deposit (CD) Ratio and progress achieved under flagship schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PMFME, Mission YUVA, Mudra Loans and various Social Security Schemes.

The Deputy Commissioner expressed concern over the shortfall in priority sector lending, stressing the need for immediate improvement by major banks, particularly SBI and PNB, to meet mandated targets within stipulated timelines. He directed all banks to intensify their efforts toward promoting financial inclusion and ensuring enhanced enrolment under schemes that remain under continuous monitoring.

The DC also instructed banks to share updated lists of NPAs and stressed accounts with the district administration to facilitate coordinated and timely recovery interventions.

The RBI LDO reiterated the importance of conducting Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) camps as per the schedule issued by the Lead District Manager (LDM).

J&K Bank was specifically advised to expedite the resolution of pending DEAF cases by proactively tracing account holders and settling eligible clai

Banks were further directed to enhance public awareness regarding the UDGAM portal, an initiative enabling citizens to easily trace unclaimed deposits across banks. Additionally, the RBI emphasized the need for strict monitoring of Banking Correspondents (BCs), with a focus on reviewing transaction data and login activity to effectively address cases of inactivity.

The meeting was attended by CPO Akhil Thakur; LDO RBI Amandeep Singh; DSWO Tariq Parveaz Qazi; ALC Mamta Sudarshan; CAO Kushal Chandel; LDM Harsh Rawal; Inspector Fisheries, besides representatives from the Banks and other financial institutions.