IMPHAL, March 20: The number of Bank branches has increased from 92 in December 2007 to 113 today, the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh informed members while presenting the Vote-on-Account for the financial year 2012-13 in the Manipur assembly today.
Setting his sights on unbanked areas the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said, financial inclusion of hitherto excluded persons and habitations has been a priority of his government.
He said, to strengthen and expedite financial inclusion the state government has obtained approval of the Planning Commission for construction of Block-Bank complexes in the unbanked Blocks in a phased manner.
In the first phase, construction of 10 Block-Bank complexes will be taken up with Special Plan Assistance from the Planning Commission.
He said, new Bank Branches will become operational as soon as the buildings are completed.
In an effort to encourage credit among the banks the Chief Minister Ibobi Singh announced that, from the coming financial year onwards only those Banks which have a good credit delivery record will be eligible for Government deposits.
He added, the decision was taken by the state government with a view to improve the quantum of credit delivery in the state.