Bhubaneswar: Joint Secretary in the department of Financial Services, Central Government, Shalini Pandit Saturday urged banks to take concerted measures to improve Odisha’s Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio and bring it on par with the national average.
Addressing the 184th State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting here, Pandit stressed the need to expand the banking network and improve access to banking services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
She also directed banks to take necessary steps to refund amounts lying in Deposit Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) accounts to the concerned individuals and government offices. Pandit appreciated the successful implementation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) in Odisha and called for continued efforts to strengthen financial inclusion across the state.
Chairing the meeting, Odisha Development Commissioner DK Singh reviewed the performance of the banking sector up to June 2026 and advised banks and district administrations to work in close coordination to achieve the targets set for the current financial year.
He urged banks to closely collaborate with the state government to realise the vision of Samruddha Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047, with a particular focus on balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Singh said Odisha, endowed with abundant mineral resources such as iron ore, chromite and bauxite, was focusing on value addition to strengthen the state’s industrial base and generate greater economic opportunities.
He said several national and international institutions had shown keen interest in investing in Odisha, adding that the state was steadily preparing to emerge as a major economic hub in eastern India. The Development Commissioner also emphasised the need to enhance credit support for women entrepreneurs and facilitate the transition of wom en-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Highlighting Odisha’s 575-km coastline, Singh said the state had immense potential for tourism, port-led development and industrial growth. He stressed the importance of developing the state’s young population into a skilled and productive workforce through focused skill development programmes.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of several fl agship government schemes, including the Pradhan Man tri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMS BY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yo jana, Prime Minister’s Employ ment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enter prises (PMFME) and Mukhya mantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY).
Detailed deliberations were also held on the Annual Credit Plan for 2026-27, with special emphasis on agriculture and allied activities, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other priority sectors.
The meeting underlined the need for stronger credit delivery, wider financial inclusion and closer coordination between banks, district administrations and the state government to accelerate Odisha’s economic growth.
