Growth and controversy mar Punjab cooperative scene at the same time.While Punjab State Cooperative bank has decided to open 100 ATMS, one of its district Central cooperative banks has fuelled controversy by ordering wearing of blue turban.
Refusing to be a laggard in modernization of banking services for its clientele, the Punjab State Cooperative Bank would soon set up a network of 100 ATMs. The cooperative bank is also likely to take some measures to adapt to new and modern technological methods in providing services in remote rural areas.
Official sources say decisions about modernizing the cooperative sector were taken at a high level meeting presided over by chief minister Prakash Singh Badal. The state cooperative bank has already become a member of the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System [APBS] , informed sources.
Worried about the plight of cooperatives in dairy, finances and agriculture, Chief Minister Badal called for immediate and determined efforts to be put in to make cooperatives a going concern.
But on the other hand a controversy has erupted over Patiala central cooperative bank decision to dictate wearing of blue turban with Congress having drawn battle lines.