Alipurduar, Feb. 25: A sum of Rs 1.44 crore has been distributed as loan among 850 women of 80 self-help groups (SHGs) of the Alipurduar subdivision today.

The money was disbursed by Backward Classes Welfare Development and Finance Corporation that had organised a loan fair for Backward Class women, reports our correspondent.

Twenty-five SHGs from Falakata, 21 from the Madarihat-Birpara and 34 SHGs from Alipurduar-I and II and Kumargram blocks were benefited. Bengal backward class welfare minister Jogesh Chandra Barman said the loan was given at 4 per cent interest.