SHIMLA- Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled the new logo of the Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd (HPSCB) during the SPARK-2023 event.
The event also saw the launch of internet banking, the Academy for Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development for Growth and Empowerment (Aagri EDGE), and a new website. The Chief Minister released the bank's vision document and presented awards to the best performing branch offices.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for cooperative banks to be prepared for future challenges and announced that the state government would provide assistance to strengthen them.
He emphasized the importance of digital technology and modern facilities for customers.
Reforms to enhance cooperative banks' functioning will be implemented within six months, and priority permissions for land purchase will be given to co-operative banks.
The Chief Minister highlighted the efforts made in the first budget to strengthen the rural economy.
The government plans to provide loans at a one percent interest rate to poor students for higher education.
Permits for e-taxis will be issued, and subsidies will be provided for the purchase of e-vehicles. Financial assistance will be given for setting up solar power projects, with cooperative banks urged to provide loans for these initiatives.
The Chief Minister expressed the state's determination to fight for its rights, including a fair share of power production.
Efforts to enhance royalty in completed hydropower projects and regain control over central hydropower projects are underway. The Chief Minister also emphasized the state's right to water cess and pledged to promote green industries such as tourism, hydro energy, IT, data centers, and food processing.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri acknowledged the significance of the cooperative movement in Himachal Pradesh and assured corrective measures.
He mentioned the burden of a Rs. 75,000 crore debt inherited from the previous government and commended the Chief Minister's decision to reinstate the old pension scheme for government employees. Agnihotri expressed concerns about attempts to destabilize Himachal Pradesh financially and hinder financial assistance to the state.
HPSCB Chairman Devender Shyam welcomed the Chief Minister and reiterated the bank's commitment to supporting the state's development.
He highlighted the bank's success under the Chief Minister's guidance and its effective implementation of state government schemes. Shyam presented a cheque of Rs. 2 crore to the Chief Minister on behalf of the bank for the Chief Minister Relief Fund.
Several other dignitaries, including Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mohan Lal Brakta, MLAs Nand Lal, Harish Janartha, Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Ajay Solanki, Chandershekhar, Principal Advisor to Chief Minister (IT and Innovations) Gokul Butail, Chairman Jogindra Central Co-Operative Bank Limited, Mukesh Sharma, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank Limited, Sanjay Chauhan, Secretary Agriculture, Rakesh Kanwar, and others were present at the event.
