NABARD Celebrates 44th Foundation Day, Reaffirms Rural Development Commitment

NABARD celebrated its 44th Foundation Day, reaffirming its commitment to rural development. The bank released a documentary, publications, and recognized exemplary PACS and DCCBs. NABARD A.P. disbursed ₹42,842 crore in loans and ₹31.83 crore in grants, supporting critical infrastructure and institutional development. The bank inaugurated new DDM offices in East Godavari, West Godavari, and Nandyal, expanding its grassroots reach.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 44th Foundation Day with a series of events aimed at reaffirming its commitment to rural development. The celebrations, held in Andhra Pradesh, featured the release of a short documentary titled "Roots of Change" and publications such as "NIDHI". The event also showcased exhibitions by FPOs and artisans and recognized exemplary Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs).

In his welcome address, NABARD General Manager (GM) K.V.S. Prasad emphasized the institution's dedication to its developmental mandate and stakeholder partnerships. NABARD A.P. Chief GM M.R. Gopal presented the achievements of the regional office during financial year 2024–25. He highlighted that NABARD A.P. disbursed a total of ₹42,842 crore in loans and ₹31.83 crore in grants, supporting critical infrastructure and institutional development. The inauguration of new District Development Manager (DDM) offices in East Godavari, West Godavari, and Nandyal expanded NABARD's grassroots reach in the state. Gopal also underscored the credit flow of ₹29,827 crore in refinance to rural financial institutions [1].

Commissioner of Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Babu A., commended NABARD’s contribution to the modernisation and digitisation of the cooperative credit structure in Andhra Pradesh. He acknowledged NABARD’s continuous support in building institutional capacities and emphasised the need for further convergence to achieve financial inclusion and cooperative strengthening across all 26 districts [1].

Separately, NABARD has also been active in Arunachal Pradesh. The bank has sanctioned ₹4,613 crore for 485 infrastructure projects, boosting rural connectivity and livelihoods. These projects, supported under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), have significantly contributed to enhancing rural connectivity, irrigation systems, and livelihood generation [2]. The bank remains committed to inclusive growth, driving rural credit planning, digitisation, and climate-resilient farming. NABARD's vision for Arunachal Pradesh focuses on building self-reliant, cooperative-led rural economies [2].

On the occasion of its 44th Foundation Day, NABARD's Arunachal Pradesh regional office organized a sensitisation programme on the theme 'Cooperatives Build a Better World'. The event was attended by senior officials from various departments and partner organisations, including the Rajiv Gandhi University, the Department of Cooperation, RBI, SIDBI, NCDC, Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank, and cooperative unions [2].

The celebrations marked the global observance of the International Year of Cooperatives, declared by the United Nations. The event also saw the release of a booklet titled "NABARD in Arunachal Pradesh", chronicling the institution's contributions to the state [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/nabard-celebrates-44th-foundation-day-reaffirms-commitment-to-rural-development/article69838636.ece
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/nabard-sanctions-rs-4613-cr-for-rural-projects-in-arunachal-gm-mishra/articleshow/122767527.cms