The state government of Rajasthan is aiming on a venture to set up mini cooperative banks in the state at Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra.

The operational focus of the banks would mostly be to reach out to small and marginal farmers in villages, said state cooperative minister Parsadilal Meena Tapesh Panwar.

"We are not able to disburse agriculture loans at panchayats which are not covered by central cooperative banks and village cooperative societies. Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra provides us an opportunity to set up a one-room computerized mini bank which can not only disburse agri-loan but also bring unbanked population under the banking net," he said.

So far there are 9,184 village panchayats and 249 panchayat Samiti in the state.

These banks would be lending out for agricultural purposed upto Rs 1 lakh. However all credentials need to be essentially filled by the farmer.

"So far we have bee able to disburse Rs 1600 crore in this kharif season. These mini banks will help us in achieving our target," he said.

"With these banks in place the payment records too will be computerized bringing in more transparency," said a cooperative department official.