Sunday, 11 May 2014

Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank
Through my eyes

In the mid seventies, the Regional Rural Bank introduced a series of schemes with a view to bring sweeping changes in the economy of the nation. In the aftermath, active deliberations took place in order to initiate a financial and commercial organisation encompassing the widely known economically backward Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills districts (area : 15,322 sq. Km., population : 4,55,357; according to 1971 census). That endeavour bore fruit and a new bank Karbi North Cachar Rural Bank by name was established under RRB Act, 1976; Clause 3(A). That newly established bank which came into existence on 27th January 1982 with its headquarter at Diphu, had its operation limited within the two hill districts. Sponsored by State Bank of India, a premier financial organisation of the country and assisted jointly by the Govt. of Assam and Govt. of India, the RRB's prime objective was to strengthen socio-economic status of the people of the hill areas. Later, Karbi North Cachar Rural Bank was renamed as Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank (LDRB in short) vide Govt. of India's ordinance No. FI 30/80-RRB dtd. 1. 12. 1983. It is pertinent to mention that Langpi and Dehangi are two torrential rivers flowing across Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills district respectively.
Of late, the Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank, which has successfully attained its Silver Jubilee Year, has 39 branches in rural areas and 4 in semi-urban areas and summing up, 43 branches in its operational areas. I forged a relationship with the bank for the first time in 1994. On 24th January in the same year, I had to open a Savings Bank Account there out of compulsion by depositing rupees 200.00 only. At this juncture, I want to relate some of my personal experiences.
Despite having a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Bachelor Degree in Technology (B.Tech.), I resolved to register to become a contractor instead of going for a government job. Tapanda (Sri Tapan Deka), my senior and one of the well-wishers, inspired me a lot to joint that line and I still remember him with the utmost admiration. When I approached the officials in the Chief Engineer's office (PWD) located at Diphu with a view to register to become a Class-I Contractor, it came to my knowledge that an applicant needed to submit proof of having a pass-book in any of the local banks along with other documents. In fact, it was that Certificate of Account which moved me to go to LDRB's Diphu branch. Prior to that, I was not fortunate enough to set foot there. Sri Chiranjeeb Borpatra Gohain (later, I used to call him Gohainda), the then Branch Manager, promptly completed the formalities for opening an account. In this way, I collected the certificate too. My dream of becoming a contractor, however, never materialised. To speak the truth, I could not complete the very first step of registration. I want to keep this episode for another occasion.
The headquarters of LDRB and its Diphu branch are located in the first and second floor respectively of Diphu Wholesale Consumers' and Marketing Co-operative Society Limited's building. There lies a small room on the right of the alley leading to the bank and a signboard outside that bears a name 'Printwell'. My sole objective of narrating these things is to mention that LDRB played a significant role in bringing my dream of becoming a printing entrepreneur into reality. Fortunate smiled on me after almost a decade from the opening of the Savings Bank Account in the bank.
My long experiences with 'Printwell' since 1997 did not go in vain. I dealt in DTP, Photocopy, Lamination, Spiral Binding etc. In fact, that was sound investment in knowledge regarding business. I learnt to see beyond the horizon. The idea of starting a printing business cropped up in me. I approached Sri Bhaba Prashad Deori, a banker by profession as well as a writer, with a view to garner suggestion. His suggestions worked. I submitted an application seeking a loan to the LDRB's Diphu branch on 17th September 2003. At that time Rupali baidew (Smt. Rupali Kalita) was the Branch Manager. On 13th December 2003 my application was granted. On 1st January 2004 I got the SSIMTL of Rs. 2.50 lakhs @ 16% interest. That was a great opportunity for me from the bank. There are numerous such examples in the list. In this way, the bank has brought smiles to many of faces. At present, I owe no money to the bank. I could return the loan amount in due course of time. However, I shall be indebted to them throughout the life for giving a new twist to my career.
Today, 'Printwell' can boast of a variety of printing equipments such as computers, offset printing machine, paper cutting machine, book stitching machine, digital photocopiers, laminators and the like in its possession. It has become possible solely due to the bank's financial assistance. I have created a good work culture for me in conjunction with modern printing technology, printing equipments, my professional knowledge and own innovating ideas. Today work culture is a far cry in many government jobs.
In 1999, fourth biennial conference of LDRB Employees' was held. I got an opportunity to contribute an article captioned 'Banker Janma Aru Kromobikash' to the souvenir published on that occasion (Editor Sri Bhaba Prashad Deori). I worked for the bank's annual report for the last couple of years besides other tasks assigned to me from time to time.
In the true sense, of the term, today I possess deep mental peace and satisfaction through my present job wherein good amalgamation of professionalism and zeal for work has taken place; indeed it has generated a feeling of success in my mind. On the other hand, if we go through last five years performance records of the bank, it can easily be noticed that the bank has grown considerably in its commercial operation which is really a good sign. Nobody can deny the fact that banks are essential for development of the society and human race. May the organisation go ahead in its endeavour towards upliftment of the people of the two hill districts. May this financial organisation's relentless efforts for economic growth go undeterred as Langpi and Dehangi flow on and on.
I take privilege of this historic moment at completion of long 25 years of glorious service to the people to express my gratitude to the LDRB for its positive role towards realisation of our dreams, wishes and aspirations as well as giving a new direction and dimension to our lives. (indebted to my friend Sri Jayanta Thakur)

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