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New Delhi, August 30, 2004

Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh conferred the National Award for excellence in lending to SSI Sector for the year 2003-04 to Shri S.S.Kohli, CMD, PNB. The Bank has been ranked second continuously for the third year in recognition of its outstanding contribution in the field of lending to SSI Sector. The award was presented at the SSI Convention and National Awards presentation ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in the presence of Shri Mahabir Prasad, Hon'ble Union Minister of SSI and Agro & Rural Industries.

The total advances to the SSI sector increased to Rs.5701 crore as at the end of March 2004 registering a growth of 18.94%, the share of advances to SSI sector of the Net Bank Credit also reached 12.24% as at the end of March 2004 and the percentage share of SSI advances to tiny sector as at the end of March 2004 reached the level of 52.95.

Shri Kohli said that the SSI Sector will be a major growth driver in the coming period, especially with India predicted to emerge as a global economic power. PNB strategy has been largely shaped with this view and the Bank has taken initiatives to promote the SSI Sector such as SSI charter has been displayed in all branches and published in print media in regional languages outlining the features of various financing options, established 28 specialized SSI branches, 137 SSI credit cell supported by more than 100 technical officers for technical consultancy and guidance to new entrepreneurs.

PNB is popularizing PNB Laghu Udyami Credit Card and Artisans Credit Card Schemes.

PNB, one of the largest nationalized banks with a network of 4474 offices serves over 3.50 crore satisfied customers through 58839 employees.