Bhubaneswar: All bank staff to donate 1 day’s salary to Odisha CM’s relief fund for post- CycloneFani rehabilitation work. Banks asked to keep branches & ATMs running through power generators. This was informed by the Dharmendra Pradhan after holding review meeting with senior officials from RBI, SBI & FIs.
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appreciated the efforts undertaken by the banking community for speedy restoration of banking services. The display of social responsibility by extending relief to the communities through free kitchens and donating a minimum of one days salary is truly commendable.
All six SBI branches are now operational in Puri. The SBI model of extending RS. 2000 cash withdrawal on the basis of bank passbook is a noteworthy initiative. I have urged all banks to adopt this as a uniform model. Efforts are being made to extend outreach of banking channels through alternative mechanisms such as banking correspondents, mobile ATMs, and state wide Common Services Centre (CSC) network to dispense cash through Point of Sales (POS) devices.It’s reassuring to hear from Sh. M. K. Mall, RD RBI about availability of adequate cash supply in Odisha and resumption of RBI cash remittance to Puri ably supported by state govt.A control room is being set up to enable round the clock coordination among the banking partners. Considering the disruption in power supply, I have assured door step delivery of Diesel to power Gensets and make the banks functional.
Economic reconstruction of Puri and other affected areas is a herculean task. Have suggested all banks to expedite settling of insurance claims. The State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) of Odisha is meeting tomorrow. I have urged all members to work out restructuring of payment terms of existing loans & also come up with a financial package for priority sector lending & revival of the devastated hotel & tourism industry.
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