Banks must go beyond lending to unlock Bengal's industrial potential: NITI Aayogs Ashok Lahiri NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri has emphasized the need for banks to facilitate linkages between businesses and financial resources. He pointed to the low credit-deposit ratio in eastern India, which hinders investment and economic growth. Lahiri emphasized the importance of investment in infrastructure, industrial expansion and the MSME sector. Banks can support smaller organizations with structured credit facilities to help them grow.