Two more public-sector banks have come forward to extend loan of Rs 4,270 crore for Mission Bhagiratha, the flagship programme of Telangana government to provide drinking water to every household in the state.While Bank of India will provide Rs 2,270 crore, Union Bank of India agreed to extend an assistance of Rs 2,000 crore.The officials of the two banks conveyed this on Tuesday to S. P. Singh, Special Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Managing Director, Mission Bhagiratha.The loan is in addition to Rs 6,750 crore which seven banks have already agreed to extend for the project.Last month, a consortium of seven banks headed by Andhra Bank had announced that it will extend the loan.
During the meeting with officials of Bank of India and Union Bank of India, Singh explained the salient features of the programme and said extending loans for the scheme will amount to capital investment. He said the government will stand guarantee for the loans.Bank of India's Telangana zonal manager Vishwanath said the bank would be honoured to partner with the state for the project as it is aimed at ensuring supply of safe drinking water, which is the basic right of the people.Union Bank of India's Hyderabad regional manager Venkatesh said the programme was becoming a role model for the whole country. He said the bank on its own decided to provide Rs 2,000 crore.Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month formally launched Mission Bagiratha, which is estimated to cost Rs 40,000 crore