PUDUCHERRY: A three-month Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign was launched across the Union Territory of Puducherry on Friday, in line with the directives issued by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The campaign, which runs from July 1 to September 30, aims to ensure universal access to key financial and social security schemes at the Gram Panchayat level.
The initiative was formally launched by MLA R Baskar at the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Thirumana Mandapam in Ariyankuppam for the Manaveli Gram Panchayat. Sub-Collector (Revenue) North-cum-Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Puducherry) Ishita Rathi, who attended the event as the chief guest, was joined by Vengata Subramanian, Convenor of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) and senior official of Indian Bank, along with other senior government and banking officials.
Organised by the SLBC of Puducherry in coordination with government departments and local panchayat authorities, the campaign seeks to raise awareness and facilitate enrolment under flagship financial inclusion schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
The campaign will also focus on completing account re-KYC procedures, sensitising the public to digital frauds, and assisting in the claiming of unclaimed deposits.
Around 300 residents from Manaveli Gram Panchayat participated in the launch event.
Addressing the gathering, MLA R Baskar highlighted the vital role of financial inclusion in rural empowerment and commended the collaborative efforts of banks and government departments in reaching underserved communities. Sub-Collector Ishita Rathi, IAS, stressed the importance of last-mile delivery of financial services and urged all stakeholders to ensure that no eligible individual is left behind.
SLBC Convenor Vengata Subramanian announced that special enrolment camps would be conducted across all Gram Panchayats during the campaign period to ensure maximum coverage and public participation.
During the launch event, the chief guests distributed enrolment certificates, application forms, and insurance claim settlements to beneficiaries, marking a significant step towards enhancing financial security and social protection for unserved and underserved populations.