Expansion of Cooperative Bank Network in Bihar: New Branches to Open

Cooperative Bank Expansion Plans Announced

In a bid to enhance the Cooperative Bank's presence across Bihar, Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar revealed on Tuesday that new branches will be established in 15 districts where the bank currently lacks a presence. During a press conference, Kumar stated, "We have reached out to the RBI to seek approval for opening branches in these districts. Out of the state's 38 districts, the bank operates in 23."

The minister further elaborated that among the 534 blocks in Bihar, the Cooperative Bank has branches functioning in 290. The department has requested the RBI to authorize the opening of 144 additional branches in various blocks. This initiative is part of a special banking campaign launched in May, coinciding with the International Cooperative Year 2025.

Accompanying Kumar at the press conference were Additional Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, Additional Registrar Prabhat Kumar, and Managing Director of Bihar State Cooperative Bank Ltd, Manoj Kumar Singh.

To support farmers, laborers, and other vulnerable groups, Kumar announced that the Cooperative Bank aims to provide loans to one lakh individuals through Joint Liability Groups (JLG) and Self Help Groups (SHG) within the current financial year.

The minister emphasized the state government's commitment to not only creating jobs but also ensuring employment opportunities for its citizens.

Kumar also mentioned plans to establish the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Federation Ltd (VEGFED) committee in all blocks by June 15, 2025. Currently, the committee has been formed in 470 blocks along with four unions.

To prevent vegetable spoilage, cold storage facilities with a capacity of 10 tonnes have been constructed in each block, alongside 20-tonne capacity warehouses.

As part of the ongoing special banking campaign, which began on May 6, 2025, programs focused on cooperative awareness, financial inclusion, and banking services have been conducted at 1,123 locations throughout the state. This campaign is set to conclude on May 30, 2025.

Kumar noted that banking services have reached 805 panchayats through special programs in the past week, and 14 micro ATMs have been distributed to promote rural banking.

The minister reported that a total of Rs 60.50 lakh in loans has been recovered, and Rs 1.42 crore has been disbursed to 203 Kisan Credit Card holders.