ENA MSME 2025-08-04 17:13:45 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Kolkata, Aug 4 (KNN)</strong> The State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) has announced a credit target of Rs 2 lakh crore for West Bengal's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector for the financial year 2025-26.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The committee has also projected a 15 percent growth in credit disbursement for the state's agriculture sector during the same period.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These targets were disclosed by SLBC convenor and Punjab National Bank General Manager Balbir Singh during a financial inclusion program titled 'Varta' held on Thursday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The announcement reflects the banking sector's continued focus on supporting key economic sectors in the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">According to Singh, the SLBC successfully achieved its credit target of Rs 1.8 lakh crore for the MSME sector in West Bengal during 2024-25.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The state currently houses 45 lakh registered MSMEs, representing seven percent of India's total registered micro, small and medium enterprises, highlighting West Bengal's significant contribution to the country's MSME landscape.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In the agricultural sector, banks disbursed Rs 1 lakh crore during 2024-25, with similar disbursement levels expected for the current financial year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The credit allocation to self-help groups is projected to increase to Rs 35,000 crore in the current fiscal year, up from Rs 30,000 crore in the previous year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Singh noted that West Bengal's credit-deposit ratio stands at 70 percent, which exceeds the minimum required ratio of 40 percent. However, he highlighted regional disparities within the state, noting that 14 districts maintain credit-deposit ratios significantly below the state average.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In contrast, Kolkata and Cooch Behar districts have achieved credit-deposit ratios exceeding 100 percent, indicating robust lending activity in these areas.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43055 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/msme/slbc-targets-rs-2-lakh-crore-credit-for-west-bengals-msmes-projects-15-growth-in-agri-lending 2025-08-04 17:13:45 knnindia.co.in