District Collector K. Elambahavath on Thursday (June 18) said banks in the district distributed ₹38,134 crore in loans for education, agriculture, MSMEs and Magalir Thittam during the financial year 2025-26.

He was presiding over the district-level bankers’ meeting at the Collectorate. Mr. Elambahavath said Salem district has 562 banks, including 239 public sector ones, 202 private ones and 121 Tamil Nadu grama banks and district cooperative banks.

The total amount includes ₹25,001 crore for agriculture schemes and women’s self-help groups (SHGs); ₹11,320 crore for MSMEs; and ₹64.55 crore as education loans, the District Collector said, adding that banks should prioritise students seeking educational loans and entrepreneurs.

The target for Salem district in loans for women’s SHGs for 2025-2026 was ₹1,715. However, a total of ₹1,720 crore was provided, earning the district the first place in providing loans to women’s SHGs, he added.

During the meeting, Assistant Collector G.P. Nandhana and other officials participated.