Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called upon banks to adopt innovative and modern technologies to expand the services in rural areas. Launching the SHG Credit Linkage Programme in Puducherry today, he said the Women Self Help groups have an important role to play in for financial inclusion by taking banking services to rural poor.<br/><br/> Mr. Mukherjee has also asked the people to take advantage of interest subsidy scheme by repaying the loan promptly. He added that the Centre has directed the Nationalised Banks to give loans liberally to farmers, students and women self help groups. Mr.Mukherjee gave away financial assistance to the tune of 20 crore rupees to 870 Self Help Groups. <br/><br/>Later, in the evening Mr. Mukherjee opened the Puducherry Freedom Fighters Centenary year Memorial Arch at Maducarai. Union Ministers G.K. Vasan, V. Narayanswamy, Lt. Governor Iqbal Singh, Chief Minister Mr. Vaidilingam were present on the occasion.