THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Bank has taken steps to write off 207 loans in the landslide-hit areas of Chooralmala and Meppadi in Wayanad. Out of nine loans, Rs 6.36 lakh had already been written off. It has been decided to write off the remaining loans based on comprehensive information received from the Revenue Department. The bank's board of directors has decided to write off a total of Rs 385.87 lakh.

In addition, the bank has also decided to implement a new consumer/personal loan scheme of up to Rs. 2 lakh for members of Neighbourhood groups (Ayalkoottam) in areas including Chooralmala under Meppadi Grama Panchayat. These loans will be given to Kudumbashree members selected by the Kudumbashree Mission. In the wake of the Wayanad disaster, Kerala Bank had contributed Rs. 50 lakh to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Employees have donated Rs. 5.25 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Loans being written off

(Amount in lakhs)

10 families who died..................................6.63

69 people who lost their homes..................................139.54

18 people who lost their land..................................40.53

40 people who lost their jobs............................65.53

16 people who lost a family member...................37.51

11 people who lost their roads and transportation facilities.................................28.38

3 people who lost their crops............................9.96

25 people who did not fall into any of these......7.75