RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Aug.5: Corona pandemic adversely affected the loan disbursal work of Tribal Co-operative Development Corporation (TCDC) which gives loans ranging between Rs 50,000 to Rs 25 lakh to unemployed youth of age group 18 to 45 coming from physically challenged, scheduled tribe (ST) and backward class (BC) community to start a business.
Data collected from the TCDC suggests that from April 2020 to July 2021 Rs 2.05 crore loan was given to 162 tribal youths, Rs 87.88 lakh was given to 111 BC candidates and Rs 2.50 lakh was given to 4 physically challenged.
During the last financial year (2019-20) an amount of Rs 1.90 crore was given to 322 tribals, Rs 17.47lakh to 371 backward class youths, and Rs 18 lakh to 18 physically challenged youths.
During the pandemic, proper communication could not take place and very limited youths applied for loans, an official said explaining the reason behind less disbursal of loans.
Secretary of TCDC Alok Ranjan confirmed the situation saying the situation is very challenging.
“During the last three years loan disbursement was good but now there is a problem,” Ranjan said.
An official, however, cited another reason for the poor performance.
“The TCDC is understaffed. Against a total sanctioned strength of 71, only 48 are working. Out of 48 working majority are contractual and daily waged staff. The loan recovery is also poor. 65percent of loan amount remains unrecovered as those who get loan comes with a different plea and taking action against them becomes difficult,” the official said.
Another official echoed the same saying seeing the problem in recovery of loan planning is being done to impart training to those getting loans to ensure that they could run their business profitably and return loans comfortably.
A welfare department official supporting the claim said though an official of Jharkhand Administrative Service should be placed here as secretary, it is being looked after by an officer of the welfare service.
” Alok Ranjan apart from working as secretary, TCDC, also holds the charge of Secretary, Schedule Caste Development Corporation and Sub Divisional Welfare Officer,” the official said.
Asked an official how the loan is disbursed, he said: “Loan is paid on the recommendation of the district level selection committee comprising district cooperative officer, district industry officer and bank officials on the basis of proposals submitted by youths wanting to start a business. Those who pay 75percent of the loans timely are given a 25 percent subsidy.”
Asked about the interest rate she said:” Simple interest is taken. Rate is 4 percent for loan amount upto Rs 50 thousand and for above it ranges between 6 percent to 10 percent per annum. There is provision for education loans also here.”
Mandar MLA and former education minister Badhu Tirkey expressed his concern over the situation saying the TDDC should be strengthened enough to serve the purpose for which it has been established.
