Minister for Co-operatives K.R. Periyakaruppan on Tuesday said co-operative banks would consider the request for extending education loans to students.
“It is a fair demand. We will discuss it with the Chief Minister and take a decision,” he told reporters after a review meeting. The Minister said the objective of the co-operative banks was to extend financial assistance to farmers, who otherwise would depend on loan sharks and usury. “In 2001, there were suicides after crop failures and drought. Farmers are our priority. Co-operative banks are adapting themselves in tune with changing times and we will consider the request for education loans,” he said.
Mr. Periyakaruppan said co-operative banks, despite stiff competition from nationalised banks, private, and foreign banks, had done well and received appreciation from customers. “We have fixed a target to achieve a growth of ₹1,40,000 crore which is ₹30,000 crore more than the last year,” he said.
