Bhubaneswar, Sep 5: Odisha has stepped up its push to empower women entrepreneurs by urging banks to expand credit support and help women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) transition into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as the state seeks to build a more inclusive and robust economy.
Development Commissioner Deoranajan Kumar Singh on Saturday chaired the 184th State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting to review the banking sector’s performance up to June 2026.
It was observed in the meeting that women’s empowerment has emerged as an important identity of Odisha at the national level, while the significant increase in the number of Lakhpati Didis is a major achievement for the State’s economic development.
Singh urged all banks to work in close coordination with the state government to achieve the vision of Samruddha Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047, with emphasis on balanced and inclusive growth.
He advised all banks and district administrations to work in close coordination to achieve the targets set for the current financial year.
Singh stated that Odisha, being a major producer of iron ore, chromite and bauxite, aims to strengthen its economy through value addition. The State’s 575-km coastline provides significant opportunities for tourism, port-led growth and industrial development.
He said that the State is focusing on developing its young population into a skilled and productive human resource across various sectors through skill development programmes.
He further stated that several national and international institutions are showing keen interest in investing in Odisha.
He added that Odisha is preparing to emerge as a leading economic hub in Eastern India in the coming years.
The meeting held detailed discussions on the effective implementation of various flagship schemes, including 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, PM Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PMFME, Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) etc.
Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra highlighted the important role of banks in the effective implementation of major welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments.
Detailed discussions were held on the Annual Credit Plan for 2026-27, with particular focus on Agriculture & Allied, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other priority sectors.
Joint Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, Shalini Pandit emphasised the need to improve the State’s Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio to bring it to at par with national average.
She also appreciated the successful implementation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) in the State.
All banks were advised to take concerted measures to expand the banking network and improve access to banking services in rural areas. They were also advised to take necessary steps to refund the amounts lying in DEAF accounts to the concerned individuals and Government offices.
