Financial inclusion drive gains pace in Assam: Over 1,000 camps held, thousands brought into banking fold

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 18, 2025

Assam is witnessing growing momentum in the nationwide campaign for saturation of financial inclusion schemes, with over 1,000 outreach camps already conducted across the state since the drive began on July 1.

The campaign, initiated by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance, is scheduled to run through September 30 and aims to achieve universal access to banking and social security schemes at the Gram Panchayat level, particularly in underserved and unbanked areas.

Addressing a press conference at the State Bank of India’s local head office in Guwahati, Safal Tripathi, General Manager of SBI and Convenor of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Assam, shared the campaign’s progress so far.

According to Tripathi, as of July 16, a total of 1,041 financial inclusion camps have been held across Assam. These have resulted in the opening of 1,658 new Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts, enrolment of 2,471 people under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), 3,592 under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and 609 under Atal Pension Yojana (APY). In addition, 3,431 inactive accounts have had their KYC details updated, and 907 accounts have had nominations added.

The campaign is also focusing on spreading awareness about digital fraud prevention, procedures to access unclaimed deposits, and existing grievance redressal mechanisms.

Tripathi stressed that bank staff and stakeholders at the ground level have been instructed to take proactive steps to identify and reach unbanked individuals, ensure re-verification of dormant accounts, and expand enrolment in flagship schemes.

Speaking at the event, Pavni Gupta, Joint Director of the Press Information Bureau, Guwahati, and Joy Chandra Chakma, Assistant General Manager, SLBC Assam, emphasized the role of public awareness and cross-sector collaboration in driving the campaign forward in Assam and beyond.

Officials said the initiative marks a significant push toward financial empowerment and inclusive growth, and efforts will intensify in the coming weeks to reach every eligible household across the state.