We have been empowering MSMEs by providing accessible, innovative and customized financial solution

Founded in 1911, Central Bank of India, the first Indian commercial bank, traversed a long way, to become what it is today - 'a great bank' with presence in Bengal, Sikkim, Port Blair with a wide network of 332 branches, 7 regional offices.

- RITWIK MUKHERJEE

Central Bank of India Kolkata Zonal Office, over the years, has been delivering excellence in MSME business through customer focus approach. We have been empowering MSME units by providing accessible innovative and customized financial solutions. The Kolkata zone, more recently, has seen increase in MSME advances by 15 per cent from March 31. On the NPA management front, it has adopted cluster approach in terms of recovery proceedings where mapping of branches has been done for effective follow up of NPA/SMA.

Speaking to The Statesman exclusively, P.C. Khurana, Zonal Head, Central Bank of India, Zonal Office-Kolkata, delves at length on wide ranging issues-from its journey over the years, MSME empowerment focus, NPA management, arresting frauds to thrust areas and introduction of new schemes.

Excerpts:

Q: Where does your zone stand vis-à-vis Central Bank's overall financial performance? How did this Zone perform?

A: Established in 1911, today our bank is celebrating 114 years of its glorious existence as we are on a transforming path from 'good' bank to 'great' bank. Being the first Indian commercial bank, wholly owned and managed by Indians, we have come across a long way and have a remarkable presence in Bengal, Sikkim and Port Blair holding a very prominent place among other public sector banks on account of our wide network of 332 branches, 7 regional offices. We are the lead bank in three districts of North Bengal namely Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar and one district in Sikkim largely and subsequently it has contributed to our overall performance. Uttar Banga Kshetriya Regional Rural Bank operating in North Bengal is also sponsored by our bank.