Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Chairs Credit Outreach Programme in Bihar

Madhubani: Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, led a significant Credit Outreach Programme in Madhubani today, aimed at boosting financial inclusion and economic development in the region.

The event witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including Members of Parliament (MPs) Rampreet Mandal, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Dr. Ashok Kumar Yadav, and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Vinod Narayan Jha, Sudhanshu Shekhar, and Ghanshyam Thakur. Senior officials from the Department of Financial Services (DFS), NABARD, SIDBI, Central Bank of India, and State Bank of India were also present.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary extended gratitude to the Union Finance Minister, emphasizing the region’s progress under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sitharaman.

• Loan Distribution: The Finance Minister distributed loans worth ₹1,121 crore to 50,294 beneficiaries across various schemes and sectors.
• Rural Development: NABARD and SIDBI announced funding of over ₹155.84 crore and ₹75.52 lakh respectively for rural road projects to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.
• CSR Initiatives: Banks approved assistance for infrastructure improvements in schools, especially for girls. An ambulance was also flagged off as part of CSR activities.

Senior citizens aged 70 and above were handed Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) cards, underscoring the government’s commitment to health and welfare.

The Finance Minister and dignitaries visited stalls showcasing local products and handicrafts from entrepreneurs supported by banks and NABARD, highlighting the synergy between financial institutions and grassroots businesses.

Sitharaman distributed five copies of the Constitution in Maithili and Sanskrit to distinguished citizens, reflecting the government’s respect for regional heritage and education.

M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, and Surinder Rana, DMD, SBI, presented updates on financial inclusion initiatives, emphasizing efforts to bring banking services to underserved communities in Madhubani.