Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister and finance minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday highlighted Telangana’s exceptional credit-deposit ratio (CDR) of 130.7%, saying it reflects the strength of the state’s banking activity and the people’s govt’s firm commitment to transforming Telangana into a $3 trillion economy by 2047.Speaking at the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting, he said total bank deposits in the state have reached nearly ₹9.4 lakh crore, while advances touched ₹12.3 lakh crore, calling the performance a strong indicator of economic momentum. Expressing happiness over banks exceeding agricultural loan targets, he noted that against a target of ₹1,65,297 crore, banks disbursed ₹1,68,401 crore, achieving 101.8%. He described agriculture as the backbone of Telangana’s economy and appreciated banks for supporting farmers, dairy farmers, fishermen, and allied sectors through schemes including Kisan Credit Cards.Stating that Telangana is among the fastest-growing industrial states in the country, the deputy CM urged banks to increase lending to micro, small and medium enterprises, and to expand credit access for women, Dalit and tribal entrepreneurs. He also appealed for a more positive approach towards educational loans, describing student loans as investments in the future of the youth, and said the govt has shown that welfare and development can move together like twin engines.Reiterating the govt’s commitment to inclusive development, farmer welfare, women’s empowerment and employment generation, he said the world is increasingly focused on renewable energy, and Telangana is making steady progress in the solar power sector. He urged banks to support solar projects, rooftop solar installations and other environmentally friendly initiatives through financial assistance, while also stressing the need to bring more people under social security and insurance schemes.Bhatti said banks should act not merely as institutions that collect deposits and provide loans, but as strategic partners in the state’s development, adding that lending decisions should be aligned with sectors that contribute to GSDP and employment generation. He said the $3 trillion goal by 2047 is ambitious but achievable given Telangana’s growth trajectory, pointing out that while the national average growth rate is 8.2%, Telangana is growing at 10.7%. He added that Telangana’s per capita income has reached ₹4.18 lakh, compared to the national average of ₹2.1 lakh.
