Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviews the performance and progress of Karnataka Grameena Bank in Ballari
Highlighting the crucial role of rural banks in driving inclusive growth, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to the Karnataka Grameena Bank headquarters in Ballari on Thursday evening emphasized the need to intensify economic development in rural areas.
She urged the bank to design loan products that meet the specific financial needs of rural communities and expand its branch network by identifying unbanked and underbanked areas, and called for the introduction of appropriate credit schemes for agricultural development and value addition, especially to support agricultural products processing and farmer producer organizations.
Digital transformation
Highlighting the importance of digital transformation in rural banking, she encouraged Karnataka Grameena Bank to take systematic steps to effectively deliver digital services to rural customers.
A media statement said she commended the bank for its contribution to the implementation of social security and government-sponsored schemes.
The minister said regional rural banks in each state have been merged under a single entity to enhance their effectiveness.
Karnataka Grameena Bank came into existence on May 1 under the concept of ‘One State, One RRB’ and is currently the third largest regional rural bank in the country. Headquartered in Ballari, the bank has 1,750 branches with a turnover of ₹1,04,364 crore.
Nagaraju, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, said rural banks have the power to transform the image of rural India. The central government is taking all necessary steps to strengthen them, he said.
Presenting the highlights of the bank’s achievements, Shreekant M Bhandiwad, Chairman, Karnataka Grameena Bank, said the bank is among the top performers in the implementation of social security schemes.
KV Shaji, Chairman, NABARD, said that NABARD has been supporting and encouraging rural banks in every possible way to enhance their contribution to rural development.
Published on October 17, 2025
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