Shimla: Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister said that bankers should expand their activities including mobile banking facilities in the State so as to benefit the people keeping in view geography of the State. He was speaking to a high level delegation of UCO Bank which was headed by Shri Arun Kaul, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, (CMD) UCO Bank called on him here today.

Chief Minister lauded the contribution of Banks in development of the State and advised them to be more liberal in providing financial assistance for self employment ventures in the State so that they could set up their ventures. He said that UCO Bank happened to be lead bank of the State. He said that introduction of mobile banking services in Kasumpti and Junga area adjoining to Shimla was a welcome step and required to be replicated in other areas as well so that the rural people could avail banking facilities at their door steps. He said that these services would be of immense value to the people of the State.

Prof. Dhumal emphasized the need for increase in Credit Deposit ratio and also promote self employment projects. He said that State was known as 'Apple State of India' and was poised to emerge 'Fruit Bowl of India' and food and processing units had a great scope. He said that with value addition and by products, economy of the State would get strengthened besides generating employment and self employment avenues to the local educated unemployed youth.

Chief Minister said that banks should also come forward in exploitation of available hydel potential and provide liberal finances to the entrepreneurs who want to enter into it.