Shillong, Sep 1: Rajya Sabha MP James P. K. Sangma recently met top management of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to press for an end to denial of housing, mortgage and agriculture loans to Meghalaya’s tribal population.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Shakil P. Ahammed and Secretary (Law) Cyril V. Diengdoh, along with PNB Executive Director (HR) D. Surendran, Zonal Head (General Manager), Circle Head (Deputy General Manager) and other senior officials from Guwahati and Meghalaya on August 28.
At the centre of discussion was PNB’s internal condition mandating a 13-year chain of registered link deeds to create an Equitable Mortgage in the state — a requirement that has effectively locked tribal borrowers out of institutional credit.
Sangma pointed out that other public sector banks in Meghalaya do not impose such a condition and urged PNB to align its norms and accept land documents registered with the Sub-Registrar Office, Government of Meghalaya, for mortgage creation.
The PNB management committed to resolve the issue within 60 days, by last week of October 2026.
“This matter has been ongoing for the last 18 months, causing real hardship to our tribal families and communities. I am hopeful that PNB will honour its commitment within this timeline, and I will continue to follow up closely to ensure it is implemented on the ground, in letter and in spirit,” Sangma said in a press release.
