RDCB staff not to withdraw November salary to help farmers

RAJKOT: Setting an example, 950 employees of Rajkot District Cooperative Bank (RDCB) have decided not to withdraw their salary for November to ensure there is enough cash for farmers who are in dire need of money.
“All employees, who are working with RDC bank in its 186 branches in Rajkot and Morbi district, have decided not to withdraw November salary so that farmers who need cash for Rabi sowing can get money easily.As we are closely working with farmers, we have seen their pain after demonetization. People living in the city may visit different ATMs and can withdraw some cash for their need but farmers have nowhere to go,” said M P Sojitra, deputy manager, RDCB, said.
According to Sojitra, on average, Rs 4 crore is disbursed as salary to the 950 employees every month.
Earlier last week, BJP MP from Porbandar and cooperative leader Vitthal Radadiya, who is also chairman of RDC Bank, called a meeting of staff and farmers’ leaders and assured them that situation will soon normalize and all would get cash. Radadia had also announced Rs 1 lakh Rabi crop loan to needy farmers.
RDCB has two lakh members in its 186 branches.
“After demonetization, we have received Rs 90 crore in new currency notes from RBI and members of the bank are withdrawing the amount as per their need,’’ Sojitra added.
“We have initiated a process for Rabi crop loan to farmers and we are in touch with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) which will grant the loan for farmers,” said an RDCB official.