Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Aug: To expand banking services in rural and remote areas of Uttarakhand, the State Government has approved the opening of 34 new branches of District Cooperative Banks. The Cooperative Department has cleared proposals received from various districts for the establishment of these branches. The new branches will provide people in remote areas with improved and modern banking facilities while ensuring easier access to various cooperative schemes.
Cooperation Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat said that the State Government is continuously working to strengthen the rural economy through the cooperative sector. As part of this initiative, it has been decided to expand the network of District Cooperative Banks across the state by opening 34 new branches.
Dr Rawat added that the department had received a total of 41 proposals from different districts for opening new branches. Of these, 34 proposals have been approved, while seven were found to be incomplete. Five proposals from Haridwar district have been returned with instructions to resubmit them after incorporating the necessary revisions.
Under the approved proposals, new District Cooperative Bank branches will be established at Kuwali, Chamadkhal and Nagchulakhal in Almora district; Chidderwala, Tyuni, Bhauwala, Maldevta and IT Park (Sahastradhara) in Dehradun; Nautha, Paukhal and Sigaddi in Pauri Garhwal; Jyolikot, Kusumkhera and Haldwani (Gas Godown Road) in Nainital; Sukhidhang, Reethakhal, Khirmande, Chandak and Jakhni in Pithoragarh; Dhanaulti, Maletha, Pawki Devi and Bagiyalgaon in Tehri Garhwal; Pantnagar, Mahuadabra, Sultanpur Patti, Bagwara, Nandpur and Khempur in Udham Singh Nagar; Kotdhar, Dharikalogi and Sankri in Uttarkashi; and Maithan, Langasu and Nagarasu in Chamoli district.
The Minister stated that, at present, 315 branches of District Cooperative Banks are operational across Uttarakhand. With the addition of these new branches, the cooperative banking network will be further strengthened, enabling farmers, women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), small entrepreneurs and rural consumers to access better financial services. The expansion is also expected to boost economic activities in rural areas and reinforce the cooperative movement in the state.
Dr Rawat further stated that all approved proposals have been forwarded to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new branches will become operational immediately after receiving the necessary approval from the RBI. He expressed confidence that the expansion will enhance both the reach and business of cooperative banks, while accelerating inclusive development in the state’s rural and border areas.
