Sunday, May 17, 2026 23:00 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, May 16, 2026 17:19 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Central Bank
of India has set a target to disburse loans worth around Rs. 250 crore in
Sikkim by September this year under the Centre’s flagship MSME-focused
financial initiative, bank officials said on Friday.
Speaking at an MSME loan outreach programme held
in Gangtok, Central Bank of India’s Jalpaiguri regional manager Randhir Kumar Singh
said the bank has already disbursed loans worth Rs. 55 crore under the “Unnati
Scheme”.
Loan proposals amounting to Rs. 23 crore were also
approved during Friday’s programme, he said.
Singh said the Unnati Scheme, which was originally
valid till March, has been extended till September by the Sikkim government for
the convenience of customers and entrepreneurs.The extension has made it easier
for businesspersons in the State to avail loans, he added.
The bank has also decided to increase investments
in Sikkim’s hotel and hospitality sector. Singh said loans will be provided
through an easy process based on project requirements. he added the bank is
adopting a business-friendly policy by offering loans with lower collateral
requirements to encourage entrepreneurship and MSME growth in the State.
During the programme, entrepreneurs associated
with the hotel business sector in Sikkim under the Jalpaiguri region were
briefed about various MSME loan facilities.
Bank officials from different districts of Sikkim
participated in the outreach programme and highlighted efforts being made
through various branches to create awareness about loan schemes among
customers. They also informed customers about available facilities,
concessions, loan procedures and eligibility norms.
The programme included interactive discussions
where customers shared suggestions and concerns, while officials responded to
their queries.
