Mangalore :  State Minister  for Co-operation H.S. Mahadeva Prasad has assured to hold talks with the authorities concerned and consider reducing the interest on the loans advanced to Self Help Group members.

He was speaking at a function organized by the SCDCC Bank in  association with All Co-operative Organisations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts at the TV Raman Pai Hall on July 27, Saturday to hand over the  Uttarakhand Flood Relief Fund. A scholarship distribution function for children of Navodaya SHG members was also held to coincide with the occasion.

Continuing, the Minister appreciated the kind gesture of the co-operative  banks  in coming to the aid of the people affected by the devastating floods that hit Uttarakhand.  He also said  the state government has plans to extend farm loans upto Rs 2 lakhs at zero per cent interest rate.

State Minister for Forests and District in-charge Minister B Ramanatha Rai  who was also present as a chief guest, distributed scholarships to the students.

MN Rajendra Kumar, Chairman of SCDCC Bank said Rs 77 lakhs has been collected for the Uttarakhand Flood Relief Fund by various co-operative banks and organizations.

J R Lobo, Moideen Bawa, MLAs and others were present.