Union Finance Minister Mr.P Chidambaram appreciated efforts of South Indian States to ensure credit flow to priority sectors. Talking to media persons in Bangalore today after the Conclusion of south Zone Chief Ministers' Conference, Mr.Chidambaram noted that credit flow to agriculture and educational sectors and weaker sections of society is good, even exceeding target in a few cases. He informed that electronic benefit transfer scheme will be launched in 51 districts of 16 states from January 1st next year. This will enable central government to deposit amounts of social security beneficiaries directly into their bank account. Improved credit flow to priority sectors will help tackle inflation. he also clarified that subsidized rate of interest will be applicable for short term crop loan from the year of re-schedulment. Chief Minister of Karnataka Jagadish Shettar, Mr.Kiran Kumar Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister of Puducherry Mr.Rangasamy, Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam and Finance Minister of Kerala Mr.Mani participated in the conference. The Chief Executive officers of the selected Public Sector banks also participated in the discussion during the conference.