Centre stepping up financial inclusion drive from October 21

New Delhi, October 19 (IANS): The Union Finance Ministry's Department of Financial Services (DFS) is organising a nationwide campaign for the saturation of financial inclusion schemes and other key interventions at the gram panchayat and urban local body level starting this week.The campaign will run from October 21 to December 31, covering 2.70 lakh gram panchayats and urban local bodies in the country, according to a Finance Ministry statement issued on Monday.During this period, banks will conduct camps for enrolments under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Aadhaar seeding in PMJJBY and PMSBY, opening of PMJDY accounts, re-KYC for existing PMJDY and other savings accounts, as well as generating C-KYC ID, wherever pending, will also be carried out during the drive.Besides, updating nominations in savings accounts and other facilities like lockers, wherever pending, awareness sessions on FI schemes, digital frauds and ‘Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar’ regarding unclaimed financial assets, and sourcing of KCC applications to support the objective of saturation of eligible PM-Kisan beneficiaries will be conducted during this campaign.Enrolment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to support the objective of saturation of KCC accounts for the upcoming Rabi season will also take place as part of the financial inclusion drive.The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to empowering citizens at the last mile and building a more inclusive society by bringing them into the formal financial system.A preparatory meeting with senior management of Banks and SLBC was held today under the chairmanship of the Joint Secretary, Financial Inclusion, Department of Finance. The progress under the campaign will be closely monitored by key stakeholders including the state administration, banks and the Department of Finance, the statement added.