Dharamshala (Kameshwar Sharma): The Kangra Banking Review Meeting reviewed the performance of banks and financial institutions in Kangra district, focusing on self-employment, agricultural credit, financial inclusion, and social security schemes. The District Level Review Committee (DLRC) and District Consultative Committee (DCC) assessed banking performance up to the March 2026 quarter and discussed measures to strengthen economic growth.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar chaired the Kangra Banking Review Meeting and praised banks for achieving their annual lending targets while supporting entrepreneurship and rural development.
Banks Achieve Annual Credit Target
During the Kangra Banking Review Meeting, officials reported that banks disbursed loans worth ₹8,955.99 crore against the annual credit target of ₹8,984.84 crore for the financial year 2025–26.
The ADC said the strong performance reflects expanding economic activities, improved access to finance, and growing entrepreneurship across the district.
Moreover, the meeting noted that banking institutions continue to play a key role in supporting businesses, farmers, and self-employed individuals.
Deposits and Loans Show Healthy Growth
The Kangra Banking Review Meeting highlighted significant growth in both bank deposits and credit.
Total bank deposits increased to ₹51,167.36 crore, registering an annual growth of 14.68 percent.
Meanwhile, the total outstanding loan portfolio reached ₹13,545.15 crore, reflecting a 13.34 percent increase over the previous year.
Consequently, officials described the figures as a positive indicator of Kangra’s strengthening economy.
Focus on Agriculture and Dairy Financing
Agriculture remained one of the major discussion points during the Kangra Banking Review Meeting.
Officials reported that banks provided ₹1,942.63 crore in agricultural loans by the end of March 2026. This amount accounted for 18.09 percent of the district’s total credit.
Furthermore, Vinay Kumar urged banks to increase financial support for farmers through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
He also emphasized agricultural mechanization, farm infrastructure development, and cold storage facilities.
Additionally, he asked banks to provide adequate funding to dairy farmers to ensure a steady milk supply for the Dhagwar Milk Plant.
Digital Banking and Social Security Schemes
The Kangra Banking Review Meeting also stressed expanding financial inclusion across the district.
Officials directed banks to organize awareness camps and customer outreach programmes. These initiatives will encourage eligible citizens to enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and the National Pension System (NPS).
Moreover, banks were asked to ensure 100 percent nomination in new bank accounts and educate customers about its importance.
Krishika App and Self-Employment Promotion
During the Kangra Banking Review Meeting, the ADC instructed banks to promote the Krishika App under the “Kheti Bachao Abhiyan.” The app will help farmers obtain new Kisan Credit Cards and access institutional banking services.
In addition, officials discussed digital post-harvest financing, including e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts, e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi, and credit guarantee schemes for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
The ADC also urged banks to extend greater support to self-employment programmes and government-sponsored schemes. He said these initiatives would create more opportunities for youth, women, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Banks Asked to Improve Performance
The Kangra Banking Review Meeting reviewed the performance of individual banks and noted slow progress by a few institutions.
Therefore, the ADC directed bank officials to conduct field visits and present better results during the next review meeting.
He also sought accountability from officers who remained absent from repeated meetings.
Meanwhile, Lead District Manager Prithvi Ranveer informed participants that a special financial inclusion campaign is underway from June 15 to July 15 across all Gram Panchayats and urban local bodies. The campaign aims to maximize enrollment under social security schemes.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Kangra Banking Review Meeting reviewed banking performance for the March 2026 quarter.
- Banks disbursed ₹8,955.99 crore in loans against the annual credit target.
- Bank deposits increased to ₹51,167.36 crore, while total loans reached ₹13,545.15 crore.
- Officials emphasized farm credit, dairy financing, digital banking, and self-employment.
- Banks were directed to expand social security coverage and improve financial inclusion.
