Christians biggest borrowers among Kerala's minorities

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 12 (IANS) Christians in Kerala, who constitute close to 23 percent of the 320 million state population, account for 57 percent of the total advances given by banks in the state to the minority communities during the year ended June 30, 2008.

Of the Rs.161.4 billion ($3.43 billion) advances given to the minorities in Kerala, Christians availed Rs.92.11 billion in 960,726 accounts, according to the figures released at the latest State Level Bankers Committee meeting, held last week.

The Kerala banks gave a total of Rs.801.31 billion in advances to all communities during the period under review.

Muslims who constitute close to 25 percent of the state population availed Rs.69.24 billion in 107,6553 accounts.

Sikhs in Kerala accounted for Rs.21 million in 93 accounts, Zorastrians took Rs.11.3 million in 80 accounts while the neo-Buddhists availed Rs.8.5 million in 62 accounts.

The Aluva (near Kochi)-headquartered private sector Federal Bank led from the front by giving Rs.21.7 billion to 76,193 Christians and Rs.8.98 billion to 29,155 Muslims.

Kerala's own bank State Bank of Travancore came second when it extended Rs.11.66 billion in advances to 242,100 Christians and Rs.8.4 billion to Muslims.