OREANDA-NEWS. Indian Bank celebrated the linking of One Crore SHG members through 6.56 lakh SHG Groups with cumulative lending of Rs. Ten thousand Crore in a glittering ceremony presided over by Shri T M Bhasin, C & MD of Indian Bank at Chennai. Smt. Mythili K Rajendran, IAS, Managing Director, Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of Women Ltd, Chennai, was the Chief Guest. Shri B Raj Kumar, Executive Director, Indian Bank was also present. Speaking on the occasion, Shri T M. Bhasin, CMD, Indian Bank said that this unique achievement has been possible through the efforts of all 2100 branches, out of which major contribution came from 1154 rural and semi urban branches and 45 specialized SHG financing Microsate branches all across the Country.

Three Best Performing Self Help Groups were felicitated by Smt. Mythili K Rajendran, IAS, and Mr. Bhasin. A Free eye check up camp, in co ordination with Sankara Nethralaya, was also organizesd at Indian Bank Management Academy for Growth and Excellence (IMAGE) benefitting 500 members of the SHGs.

Mr Bhasin said that Backward to Forward linkages are being arranged by Indian Bank to the SHGs for procuring the raw materials to producing the finished goods for marketing by conducting SHG fairs across the Country. Space for displaying the products of SHGs has been provided in the specialized SHGs financing Microsate branches which also facilitates the SHGs in marketing their products.

Mr Bhasin said that Priority Sector Lending of the Bank has crossed Rs.36,414 crores i.e. 42.09% as on 31.03.2013. as against 40% norms thus fully complying with new Priority Sector norms.

Similarly the agriculture lending has touched Rs.17,006/- crores i.e. 19.66% of total credit portfolio as against 18% prescribed norms. Direct Agriculture credit has touched Rs.15,835 crore i.e. 18.30% as against the prescription of 13.5%.

Mr Bhasin said that Indian Bank has also achieved lending to Minority Sector at 15.03 % as against 15% prescription and the Lending to SC/ST stood at Rs.2,643/- crores as on 31.03.2013.

Mr. Bhasin further said that in addition to empowering the women through SHGs, the Bank is supporting the education and career of women folk. In this direction, the Bank has adopted a