Thu Dec 25 16:59:20 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, suitable for publication by The Hindu’s e-Paper:

Headline: SKDRDP Honored as Best MSME Supporting Institution for Credit Linkages

Mangaluru, December 25, 2025 – The Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) Business Correspondents (BC) Trust has been awarded the prestigious ‘BC Model Best MSME Supporting Institution – 2025’ in recognition of its impactful work in providing crucial credit linkages to self-help groups (SHGs) across India.

The award was presented by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, to SKDRDP trustee D. Surendra Kumar in a ceremony held in New Delhi. SKDRDP Chief Executive Officer S.S. Anil Kumar and Chief Finance Officer Shantharam R. Pai were also present at the event.

Through its extensive network of business correspondents, SKDRDP facilitates loan disbursement to SHGs under the SHG Bank Credit Linkage Programme. These loans, offered at 14% per annum, empower SHGs to establish and grow businesses in diverse sectors including agriculture, handicrafts, and other industries.

According to a press release issued by SKDRDP, the organization has disbursed a staggering ₹33,678 crore in loans through its business correspondents. This financial support has enabled 4.41 lakh young people to pursue self-employment opportunities, significantly boosting economic activity and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

The ‘BC Model Best MSME Supporting Institution’ award underscores SKDRDP’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and empowering marginalized communities through sustainable credit solutions.

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