A delegation from Bhutan comprising officials from the Royal Monetary Authority (Central Bank of Bhutan), Bhutan National Bank, Bank of Bhutan and Bhutan Development Bank called on Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD on 13 May 2019 at the bank’s headquarters in Mumbai. The Chairman briefed the delegation on NABARD’s role the field of agricultural credit, rural development, supervision and advisory inputs to the federal and provincial governments. He further apprised the delegates of the bank’s flagship initiatives like SHG Bank Linkage Programme, refinance to banks for enhanced agricultural credit, institutional development of rural banking system, etc.

“Keeping in view the importance of rural infrastructure in sustainable development and credit absorption capacity, NABARD has been playing an instrumental role in rural infrastructure development”, Dr. Bhanwala said.

The delegation later visited Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow to learn about the nitty-gritty of requirements and processes involved in obtaining accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). GCF is a financial mechanism under the UNFCCC, which helps fund climate finance investment. Notably, NABARD has been accredited as a Direct Access Entity of the Fund.

The delegation comprised Mr. Deoraj Ghalley, Chief Research Officer, Royal Monetary Authority (Central Bank of Bhutan), Ms. Deki Wangmo, Head, Recovery and Legal Department, Bhutan National Bank, Ms. Karma Deki, Head, Credit Department, Bhutan National Bank, Mr. Sonam Dhendup, Planning Officer, Bank of Bhutan, Mr. Dupchen Lepcha, Adminsitrative Officer, Bank of Bhutan, Ms. Tshering Choden, Project Officer and Mr. Sonam Phuntsho, Credit Assistant.