Chhattisgarh Finance Minister Shri OP Choudhary inaugurated a new branch of the Indian Overseas Bank in Raigarh on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. On this occasion, he congratulated the residents of the area and said that the opening of the new branch will help local businesses, entrepreneurship, and the benefits of various government schemes reach the people more effectively.
Minister Mr. Chaudhary stated that the state government is giving top priority to expanding banking services and financial inclusion. He explained that since assuming the responsibility of Finance Minister, he has set clear policies and objectives in the State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) meetings to make the banking system more result-oriented.
He said that India’s economy is rapidly moving towards an investment-based economy. Therefore, the role of banks cannot be limited to deposits; rather, they must play an active role in promoting investment, entrepreneurship, and economic activity.
Mr. Chaudhary stated that the Chhattisgarh government, under visionary financial management, has established the country’s first State Pension Fund and Growth and Stability Fund to effectively address future financial needs and economic challenges. He stated that the state government is working with banking institutions based on financial discipline and professional judgment. He clarified that the state government prioritizes banks that have established zonal headquarters in Chhattisgarh, expanded branches in remote areas, and demonstrated superior performance in implementing government schemes. He praised Indian Overseas Bank, saying that the bank has done commendable work towards financial inclusion by opening a branch in a highly sensitive area like Jagargunda.
The Finance Minister called on the Raigarh branch to play an active role in the Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and other schemes promoting women’s self-employment. He said that initiatives such as providing loans to women beneficiaries under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana should be made more effective to help women become self-reliant.
Mr. Chaudhary urged the bank management to expand its branches to other remote areas of Raigarh district, including Tamnar, Lalunga, Dharamjaigarh, and Kapu. He said that bank branches are not only a medium for financial transactions, but also a powerful tool for delivering the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mahatari Vandan Yojana, DBT, Startup, Standup, and other public welfare schemes to the last person.
He expressed confidence that Indian Overseas Bank will continue to work in accordance with the state government’s development-oriented vision in the future and play a key role in Chhattisgarh’s overall economic development. At the end of the program, he extended Guru Purnima greetings to all citizens and wished the bank’s new branch a successful operation.
