Kiran Bedi seeks banks' help for 'prosperous' Puducherry

Lt Governor Kiran Bedi today sought the cooperation of banks in government initiatives to make the Union Territory a prosperous place.
She held detailed discussions at Raj Nivas with managers of more than 30 scheduled banks and sought their partnership in current government programmes to realise this goal.
She elaborated the various modes through which the banks could play a significant role to supplement the government's efforts.
A Raj Nivas release said Bedi requested banks to strengthen municipalities and PWD under 'Swachh' scheme, which could be done by procuring de-silting machines,safety equipment for workers engaged in de-silting works, construction of community toilets and holding awareness campaigns.

She also said that under safety scheme, banks could also strengthen traffic police in procuring CCTVs for road safety, speed detectors and equipment for traffic police.
She also urged banks to take up skill development programmes by conducting training in computer operation and also in strengthening Industrial training institutes.
These could be taken under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the banks, which now hold around Rs 10,000 crore as deposits, the release said.
Convenor of the State Level Bankers Committee, who was also present, assured the banks' support and said a comprehensive plan would be presented at its July 4 scheduled meeting to support the initiatives of the government.