PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The Cooperation minister Dhan Singh Rawat has said that the cooperative banks of the State should be developed in line with the modern banking system. He directed for early implementation of online banking, UPI, digital transactions and other modern banking facilities in the Cooperative banks of the State. He also emphasized the need to develop a long-term roadmap for cooperative banks, making them competitive and self-reliant.
The minister gave the order while chairing a review meeting of the Cooperative department at his residence on Saturday.
In the meeting it was decided to set up a five-member high-level committee to study the salary structure, human resource management and financial arrangements of the District Cooperative Banks and State Cooperative Banks. Rawat directed that the committee will study the States of the country where notable and effective work has been done in the cooperative banking sector. The committee will prepare a detailed analytical report by studying the successful models, financial management, service conditions, technological innovations and administrative systems of various states.
The committee will include the managing director of the State Cooperative Bank, senior officials from the Finance department, joint registrar and additional registrar-level officials, while a senior NABARD official will serve as an advisor. The committee has been directed to submit a detailed report with its recommendations to the secretary within one month.
Reviewing the district-wise NPA status of all the district cooperative banks, Rawat directed officials to develop effective strategies for recovering outstanding loans. He clearly stated that reducing NPAs is a top priority for the financial strength of cooperative banks and negligence in this regard will not be tolerated at any level.
The meeting also discussed the concept of “one bank, one color” to develop a uniform identity for district cooperative banks, state cooperative banks, and multipurpose cooperative societies across the state. The minister directed the development of an action plan to implement a uniform colour code and dress code for all banks and societies.
To conserve energy and reduce institutional expenditures, discussions were also held on installing solar rooftop systems in a phased manner on the buildings of all district cooperative banks and cooperative societies in the State.
Secretary Iqbal Ahmed, chief general manager NABARD Pankaj Yadav, additional registrar Ira Upreti, Anand Shukla and others attended the meeting.
