Bhubaneswar, Sept 9 [UDN}:: The 184th meeting of the Odisha State-Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) was held on September 5, 2026, at Hotel Taj Vivanta in Bhubaneswar to review the performance of the banking sector up to the end of the July 2026 quarter. The meeting was chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh.
Chairing the meeting, Development Commissioner Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh called upon all banks to work in close coordination with the State Government to realise the vision of a developed Odisha and Viksit Bharat 2047 through balanced and inclusive growth across all sectors. He also advised banks and district administrations to maintain effective coordination and work collectively towards achieving the targets set for the current financial year.
Shri Singh stated that Odisha’s rich mineral resources, including iron ore and chromite, are among the major contributors strengthening the state’s economy. Similarly, the state’s approximately 575-kilometre-long coastline provides enormous opportunities for the development of tourism and industries through port-led growth.
He further said that the State Government is giving special emphasis to skill development among the younger generation so that Odisha’s youth can emerge as a strong and skilled human resource for various sectors in the coming years. At present, several national and international institutions are expressing interest in investing in Odisha. By effectively utilising these favourable conditions and opportunities, the state has significant potential to achieve the economic growth required for its future development. Odisha is now preparing itself to take a leading role in the economy of Eastern India in the years ahead.
The meeting held detailed discussions on the effective implementation of several major Central and State Government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PMFME and Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY).
The meeting also emphasised the need to provide greater credit support to women entrepreneurs and encourage their progression from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) towards Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It was observed that women’s empowerment has increasingly become a defining identity of Odisha at the national level. The significant growth in the number of Lakhpati Didis was described as a major achievement of the state’s economic and social development.
Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Shri Sanjeev Kumar Mishra highlighted the crucial role played by banks in implementing major public welfare schemes of both the Central and State Governments. Detailed discussions were also held on the Annual Credit Plan for the financial year 2026–27, with special priority being given to agriculture and allied sectors, micro, small and medium enterprises, and other priority sectors.
Joint Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Government of India, Smt. Shalini Pandit emphasised the need to improve Odisha’s Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio and bring it closer to the national average. She also appreciated the successful implementation of the Atal Pension Yojana in the state.
The meeting advised all banks to take coordinated steps to expand the banking network in rural areas and improve access to banking services. Banks were also advised to take necessary measures …
Leave a Reply