Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Dr. Shakeel Ahmed expressed his concern over below 1% ratio of loans given by banks to Muslims all over the country, and called upon the banks to ensure that Muslims are also benefited from government schemes, including loans.
Dr Ahmed was addressing a meeting organised on the occasion of signing of an agreement between HDFC Bank and Department of Post and Telegraph in Patna on April 18 to provide the needy with loans against postal securities.
He said the population of Muslims in the country is 15 to 18 per cent while the ratio of loans given by banks to them is not even 1 per cent; it is a matter of concern as well as surprise. “Not only the banks but the indifferent attitude of the members of the community and lack of awareness among them are responsible for this deplorable situation,” he added while appealing to the banks to provide the Muslims with adequate loans in the same manner as they provide for other communities.
He said Bihar is a backward State, and banks need to extend their helping hand to the people here so that they also make progress and advancement and thus contribute to the development of the country.
Expressing pleasure on the signing of the agreement, the Minister said it was a “historical” day when facility has been provided to take loans from HDFC Banks running in 59 post offices in nine districts of the State. The people having National Saving Certificates or Kisan Vikas Patr are eligible to take loans from HDFC Banks.