T’puram: In the first quarter of 2025-26 financial year, banks in the district provided priority loans amounting to Rs 30,418 crore, achieving 89% of the target. The annual target is Rs 33,945 crore. Loans of Rs 17,180 crore were given in the agricultural sector and Rs 10,827 crore in MSME sector.The credit-deposit ratio in the district is 78.4%. As of Dec 31, deposits in district’s banks stood at Rs 1,48,249 crore, and loans at Rs 1,16,231 crore. There are 943 bank branches in the district. This was disclosed at the district-level banking review committee meeting held at the district collectorate under the leadership of the lead bank, Indian Overseas Bank, on Monday.Reserve Bank assistant general manager Sabith Salim, Nabard assistant general manager Kiran, lead district manager S Jayamohan, district-level officials from various development departments, regional heads of banks and financial literacy counsellors participated.Earlier, while inaugurating the review committee meeting, district panchayat president V Priyadarshini said widespread awareness against online banking fraud is necessary. Even educated individuals are falling victim to frauds. Banks should ensure timely processing of loan applications. There should be mechanisms to regulate institutions that provide loans at exorbitant interest rates to Kudumbashree groups and others, she said.District collector Anu Kumari presided over the meeting. IOB assistant general manager Anuj Kumar Singh welcomed the attendees.

