By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network—Karkala (RD)
Karkala, Jul 12: The 48th branch of Mumbai-based Bharat Co-operative Bank, a multi-state scheduled bank, was inaugurated at Sovereign Building, A S Road, on Thursday July 12. This is the ninth branch in Karnataka and the fourth in Dakshina Kannada district.
The Bank’s former chairman and director Jaya C Suvarna inaugurated the branch on Thursday morning.
Karkala MLA H Gopal Bhandary and former MLA Sunil Kumar was the chief guests on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhandary said that the branch would cater to the needs of customers with world class banking facilities, thereby contributing to the prosperity of Dakshina Kannada district.
Former MLA Sunil Kumar said that Bharat Co-operative Bank, promoted by Billava community, had achieved a milestone by opening nine branches in Karnataka.
Jaya Suvarna said that the Bank strives for empowerment of customers in order to realize their aspirations to start small industries and businesses, besides encouraging saving. He said that it’s the most trusted bank in the co-operative sector across the nation.
Mumbai-based Model Bank former deputy chairman Vincent Mathias said that opening of branches in Dakshina Kannada is a milestone in the history of the Bank. “The leadership of Jaya Suvarna, efficiency of the bank staff and trusted customers will take the bank to greater heights,” he added.
The Bank’s chairman Vasudev R Kotian inaugurated the safe lockers, while deputy chairperson lawyer Rohini J Salian and senior director Pushpalata N Salian inaugurated the banking facilities at the new branch.
He added that the bank is committed to the progress of rural villages across undivided Dakshina Kannada district, with plans to open two more branches in Kundapur and Bantwal taluks by the end of August 2012.
Karkala circle inspector Valentine D’Souza, Billawar Association Mumbai vice-president C T Salian, entrepreneur Mahabala Poojary, S K Salian and M Sitaram, Billava community leaders Prabhakar Bangera and D R Raju and dignitaries, as well as hundreds of customers were present on the occasion.
The Bank’s directors M B Sanil, Mohan G Poojary, Chandrashekar S Poojary, Shankar D Poojary, N Nityanand and Bhaskar M Salian, CEO and MD C R Mulky, deputy general managers Professor Shekar Poojary and Shobha Dayanand, assistant general managers Prabhakar G Suvarna and Nityanand Kirodian and bank officers were also present.
Vidwan Sadashiv Shanti performed religious rituals at the newly-opened branch. Branch manager Gangadar R Kotian Paniyoor and Meenakshi G Kotian were present during the ‘puja’.
The branch manager Gangadar R Kotian Paniyoor welcomed the gathering. The deputy branch manager Shivaram Poojary proposed vote of thanks.The Bank deputy general manager Nityanand D Kotian compered the programme.
“On this occasion, 3,500 accounts were opened with a total collection of Rs 15 crore,” informed C R Mulky.