'While the CD ratio increased to 66 percent at the national level, it declined to 29 percent in the north-eastern region,' he said.

Referring to the fake currency menace, the minister requested RBI to provide fake notes identification devices to all bank branches.

RBI deputy governor Usha Thorat, in her address, said the central bank would act as an agent of commercial banks at places where there are no banking services available.

'Using biometric cards, banks and customers will come under a single connectivity and remain in online,' she said, adding this would also bring transparency in paying wages or allowances to eligible people under various government schemes and programmes.

RBI organised an outreach camp Saturday at a village 70 km south of Agartala to promote banking services in remote areas and generate awareness. Six public sector banks participated.