CM seeks bankers’ support

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called upon bankers to actively participate in the State’s ambitious Swarnandhra Vision-2047, aimed at achieving sustained growth and development. Speaking at the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting at the Secretariat, he outlined the government’s goal of attaining a 15% growth rate and emphasised the banking sector’s role, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors.
The Chief Minister stated that the government has been striving to realise its vision through 10 core principles and sought active cooperation from banks, especially in agriculture.
He noted significant growth potential in farming, with a shift towards horticulture and commercial crops.
 In this context, he urged banks to sanction maximum loans to farmers and ensure quick disbursal to eligible beneficiaries.
Highlighting the State’s dairy farming policy, he stressed that promoting dairy farming could enhance rural incomes. He suggested that every family could keep two or three cattle to generate additional revenue.
 He also addressed farmers’ struggles due to inadequate market facilities and the absence of Minimum Support Price (MSP), stating that the government is working on solutions through Blockchain Technology.
Chandrababu Naidu called for greater collaboration with banks to support organic farming, particularly horticulture, as a response to the increasing cases of cancer in states like Punjab linked to pesticide use. He urged banks not only to sanction loans but also to promote innovative agricultural practices.
On the issue of farmer suicides, the Chief Minister underscored the need for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies, rather than merely offering financial assistance post-incident.
He also urged bankers to simplify loan sanctioning processes for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in alignment with the Centre’s efforts to support small traders.
Further, Naidu sought banks’ cooperation in investigating irregularities under the previous government, stating that several inquiries are underway in various departments. Bankers’ support is crucial in obtaining necessary details for these investigations, he said.
He also urged banks to collaborate in implementing central schemes such as the Surya Ghar project, which aims to provide solar power to 20 lakh families this year. Under this initiative, solar equipment will be supplied to SC and ST families, with a target of up to two kilowatts per household. Naidu stressed that banks’ involvement in these green energy projects would significantly benefit the people of the State.
Reiterating the pivotal role of banks in realising the State’s development vision, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that cooperation between the banking sector and the government would contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s long-term growth. Ministers Atchen Naidu, Payyavula Kesav, and Kondapalli Srinivas, along with Union Bank CEO Manimekhalai and other banking officials, attended the meeting.