Kargil, Mar 28: The Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil on Friday called for simplified banking procedures, enhanced credit flow to priority sectors, and stronger coordination between financial institutions and government departments to improve access to public welfare schemes across the district.
Chairing the District Consultative Committee and District Level Review Committee (DCC/DLRC) meeting at Baroo, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the performance of banks and line departments for the quarter ending December 2025, with a focus on agriculture, horticulture, self-employment and financial inclusion.
He directed banks to ensure timely submission of Action Taken Reports and stressed that effective coordination with departments remains essential for the proper implementation of government schemes. Emphasis was laid on increasing lending to farmers, young entrepreneurs and other priority groups, with instructions to implement the scale of finance in a manner that ensures adequate financial assistance to beneficiaries.
Highlighting concerns over accessibility, the Deputy Commissioner instructed banks to expand their presence by installing Automated Teller Machines in key locations with high tourist footfall, including Drass, Bhimbet, Karsha and Zanskar, to improve convenience for both residents and visitors.
He noted that complicated procedures in loan processing and compliance requirements often deter people from availing themselves of financial services. Banks were accordingly directed to streamline processes, reduce procedural barriers and adopt a more customer-oriented approach to facilitate wider participation.
Underscoring the need for a people-centred approach, the Deputy Commissioner urged financial institutions to ensure that services are easily accessible to rural communities and farming populations so that they may fully benefit from available schemes.
The importance of grassroots outreach was also emphasised, with directions issued for active participation of bank officials in public outreach initiatives and administrative camps aimed at providing integrated services. Such platforms, he observed, enable direct interaction with the public, improve awareness and ensure effective delivery of services at the local level.
During the meeting, stakeholders put forward suggestions to strengthen banking outreach and promote financial schemes. The Deputy Commissioner directed that all initiatives be implemented strictly in accordance with established banking norms to ensure transparency and accountability.
The meeting was attended by officers from various departments, including Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Fisheries, Handloom and Handicrafts, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission, along with representatives of the Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and banks operating in the district.
The session concluded with a call for coordinated and result-oriented efforts among all stakeholders to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in Kargil district.
