Stakeholders explore measures to boost inclusivity across financial institutions

New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) In a bid to explore actionable measures to promote inclusivity across financial institutions, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance convened a two-day workshop, in association with Union Bank of India at its Staff College in Bengaluru.

The discussions focused on measures to enhance the accessibility of financial services for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities) in Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Public Sector Insurance Companies (PSICs), Sectoral Regulators, and Public Financial Institutions (PFIs), according to an official statement.

A session, highlighting the ‘Sugamya Bharat’ initiative, was conducted on accessibility standards and compliance requirements.

This was followed by a roundtable discussion on legal provisions relating to accessibility, with participants deliberating on practical challenges, expectations versus ground realities, and sharing best practices for enhancing accessibility across institutions.

According to an official statement, eminent personalities working in the field of accessibility and several Divyangjan employees shared their perspectives and practical insights at the workshop.

The workshop also had an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to deliberate on operational challenges and actionable measures to further strengthen institutional capacity to ensure inclusivity and accessibility across the financial services ecosystem.

The workshop reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equitable access to financial services.

The workshop was attended by several Chief Technology Officers and senior HR functionaries from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), all 12 Public Sector Banks, 7 Public Sector Insurance Companies, and 7 Public Sector Financial Institutions.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week called upon public sector banks to undertake a focused, month-long campaign, commencing from October 2, for youth above 16 years, coordinated through the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), to strengthen engagement with young citizens entering the formal financial system.

—IANS

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