Nagaland: Wokha PMEGP beneficiaries threaten to shut down Bank of Baroda

Our Correspondent

Wokha, Sep. 11 (EMN): Aggrieved beneficiaries of the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) 2019-20 in Wokha district have threatened to shut down the Bank of Baroda, Wokha branch, if the latter fails to give positive response within September 21.

PMEGP beneficiaries met the district administration branch manager of Bank of Baroda, Wokha, on September 9 to resolve the unsanctioned loan against the central flagship programme for educated unemployed youth.

The aggrieved beneficiaries informed that they have verbally discussed with the manager of Bank of Baroda, Wokha branch, on numerous occasions in the past. They added that as advised by the branch manager, a letter to the branch head office at Guwahati was also sent with a deadline of 14 days to resolve the issue.

As all their pleas went unheeded, the beneficiaries have decided to shut down the Bank of Baroda, Wokha branch. A memorandum in this regard has been submitted to the branch manager and a copy each of the same dispatched to the deputy commissioner, Wokha; superintendent of police, Wokha; police station, Wokha; owner of Bank of Baroda building and to various NGOs. In the memorandum, the beneficiaries have threatened to shut down the bank if the issue is not solved within the stipulated time set by them.

It was after the ultimatum that the bank branch manager and the district administration called for a meeting with the beneficiaries on September 9 to settle the issue. On request from the branch manager with the assurance to do their best, the beneficiaries have decided to wait till September 21.

The beneficiaries argued that the centrally-sponsored flagship programme would lapse if they do not receive the loan amount by end year. They have also shared their grievances pertaining to various expenses incurred in running around for filling up online forms and going through the interview round.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries have sought the support from the public if the bank fails to resolve the issue within the stipulated period.