The Uttarkashi District Cooperative Bank will expand its presence across the district with 9 new branches and plans to provide up to ₹100 crore in 0-interest loans to youth, women and farmers. The measures were among the key decisions taken at the new board’s first meeting.
The meeting was held on 24 September under the chairmanship of bank president Sharda Rana. All directors attended the session, which focused on improving access to banking services and helping residents pursue self-employment.
Branch expansion and wider banking access
The board also decided to provide ATM facilities at every branch. The move is intended to make routine banking services more accessible as the cooperative bank expands its network across the district.
Special loan facilities will be available for several government-backed self-employment programmes. The areas identified include homestays, micro, small and medium enterprises, and vehicle loans.
Focus on women and local livelihoods
The bank plans to give particular attention to women seeking financial independence. The board discussed providing loans without collateral to support women’s economic activities.
Youth and farmers are also included among the intended beneficiaries of the proposed 0-interest lending programme. The source material does not specify individual loan limits, eligibility rules or the timeline for disbursal.
Other decisions considered by the board
The board discussed assistance for senior citizens travelling on Bharat Darshan and Char Dham journeys. The material available does not set out the form or value of that assistance.
It also decided to restart the MPACS at Kharsadi. MPACS refers to a multipurpose agricultural cooperative society, although no further operational details were provided.
Bank director Poonam Ramola said work on the decisions would begin soon. The stated objective is to strengthen residents financially through cooperative institutions and connect more people with banking and livelihood support.
Conclusion
The board’s initial decisions combine network expansion with planned support for youth, women and farmers. The next step is implementation of the new branches, loan facilities, ATM access and Kharsadi MPACS revival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What has the Uttarkashi District Cooperative Bank announced?
The bank plans to open 9 new branches and provide up to ₹100 crore in 0-interest loans to youth, women and farmers.
Q. When was the board meeting held?
The meeting took place on 24 September.
Q. Who chaired the meeting?
Bank president Sharda Rana chaired the meeting, which was attended by all directors.
Q. Will every branch have an ATM?
Yes. The board decided to provide ATM facilities at all branches.
Q. Which activities may receive special loan support?
The proposed facilities include loans for homestays, micro, small and medium enterprises, vehicles and other government self-employment programmes.
Q. What support is planned for women?
The bank discussed providing women with loans without collateral to promote financial independence.
Q. What is planned for senior citizens?
The board considered assistance for senior citizens travelling on Bharat Darshan and Char Dham journeys.
Q. Which cooperative institution will be restarted?
The MPACS at Kharsadi will be restarted, according to the board’s decision.
Q. When will work on these decisions begin?
Bank director Poonam Ramola said implementation would begin soon.
