DINESH - THE TRANSFORMATIVE BRANCH MANAGER

Here is a transformative contribution story narrated by Sri T.C.Pradhan, IL-2, Bhubaneswar.
-B.K.Dash.IL-I. Bhubaneswar

In the year 1980, Sonepur was a Sub-Division Head Quarter and now a District HQ of Orissa. Sonepur was drought hit then. It continues to be famous for handloom sarees and clothes as traditional weaving community are inhabitants of the area.



Shri K.S.Dinesh was BM of Sonepur Branch during 1980 to 1982. He was taking keen interest in developing the economic condition of the people at large. Traditionally weavers were being financed Rs 500/- to Rs 1500/- then. Shri Dinesh found that the weavers work in their loom with family but only during day time as there was no electricity He wanted to see that there should be a light above a loom and one more in each house.

He prepared a scheme to include the cost of connecting electricity, one bi-cycle for enabling the male member for going to market and some amount for working capital aggregating to Rs 6500/- per weaver. Shri Dinesh contacted the District authorities and Electrical Departments and interacted with them to implement the scheme to provide electricity to the handloom weavers. In the process a large number of villages got electricity connections which were entirely dark in the night hitherto. The weavers could thus, work more time in their loom during the evening or early morning. This increased their earning power.



Shri Dinesh also had extensively financed agriculture sector for crop loan and land development schemes with adequate amount of finance.



He used to notify dates of visit village wise to book application and documentation so that small farmers were not wasting time commuting to the Bank.



As a recovery measure the Bank Jeep used to be sent with the Field Officer of the area to each village Haat (Market Place) during afternoon hours. The FOs used to receive cash from at least 100 to 250 borrowers on every weekly Haat day. People used to sell their products in the market and repay installments in the market itself. Hence, recovery was taken care of.



Shri Dinesh a born Tamil, educated in Delhi and joined as PO (1975 batch) in Bhubaneswar Circle then. He acquired the ability to speak not only Oriya but also the local Sambalpuri dialect. He used to carry a homoeopathic box whenever he was going to village to distribute medicines as per his knowledge and ability free of cost.



In my opinion the role of Shri Dinesh as Branch Manager was transformative with a vision to transform the lives of some people/community, and contribute maximum possible by connecting with the people (language), feeling for the poor people taking responsibility of the Bank without sacrificing the interest of the Bank. His transformative contribution was superb and exemplary and lives in my memory as an inspiration even after nearly 30 years.

T.C.Pradhan, IL-2, Bhubaneswar.