THRISSUR: The first meeting to get financial assistance of Rs 50 crore announced by the government to solve the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank crisis will be held on October 16 under the leadership of the District Joint Registrar. A follow-up meeting attended by the Registrar will be held later.

Meanwhile, bank authorities said that people having arrears have started responding positively to the one-time settlement scheme announced by the bank. About 10 people having arrears between Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs inquired about the scheme on Monday. Those who volunteered to pay their dues last month are expected to do so in the next few days. There is a 10 to 50 percent interest concession on the one-time settlement up to December 30. Special consideration will be given to those with serious illnesses, those whose parents have died, etc.

CPM workers and leaders are also trying to raise new deposits in Karuvannur Bank. The party is also trying to assure depositors that they will not lose money. Left Front, which has declared to protect the cooperative sector, is organising marches in various places. The marches organised in Chalakudy and Kaipamangalam have concluded. A conference to protect the cooperative sector will be held on October 14.