The main purpose of this bill is to provide more facilities for rural agricultural credit by the reserve bank of India. I think it would be proper for me to give a background of the activities of the reserve bank of India in this direction, practically from the beginning of the reserve bank, this was one of the main fields of activities of the reserve bank. In 1935, the rural credit branch of the reserve bank was started with three separate sections including research and statistics. Since then, it has been going on expanding its activities as regards the provision of facilities for agricultural and rural credit. When last time the reserve bank (Amendment) Act was passed in 2000 some hon. Members raised the question of further expanding the activities of the reserve bank in the field of rural and agricultural credit facilities. The finance minister gave a sort of assurance that he would get this matter examine and, if possible, a further amendment of the reserve bank act would be effected so that the reserve bank might give greater rural district. In the State of Orissa, the percentage of rural families living below the poverty line is found to be very high. The State is also witnessing acute shortage of rural infrastructure. Industrialisation in the State is inadequate which has a direct impact on the service and primary sector. In spite of immense interest shown by the MNCs lack of connectivity, power shortage have discouraged many prospective global entrepreneurs to come to Orissa and invest here. Hon'ble CM of Orissa have also urged to you good self and the Hon'ble PM regarding the provision of a special package to Orissa keeping in view the backwardness of the State. These are the reasons for which I have been sincerely requesting for Orissa to be considered as a special category State and entitle it to attain special attention and special package from the Centre.
