Rasulpur Nov 2 (UDN): : With the objective of promoting financial inclusion and ensuring that banking facilities reach people in rural areas, the Central Government has launched various financial inclusion initiatives. As part of the week-long observance of Financial Inclusion Week, awareness programmes are being organised in villages to educate people about banking services, financial opportunities and various customer welfare schemes.
In this connection, an awareness camp on financial inclusion was organised by the Juakhia Branch of Odisha Gramya Bank (OGB) at the conference hall of Bhotaka Gram Panchayat under Rasulpur Block.
Sarpanch Smritirekha Rout attended the programme as the chief guest, while Branch Manager Prabhanjan Rout participated as the resource person. Both inaugurated the awareness camp and highlighted the importance of financial literacy and access to banking services in rural communities.
Panchayat MBK Sajjita Sahu and Bank Mitra Niharika Rath were also present and discussed various difficulties faced by women while accessing and carrying out banking transactions. The Branch Manager explained the objectives of the Financial Inclusion Scheme and shared useful information on addressing the banking-related challenges encountered by members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
He advised participants to bring their banking-related grievances to the attention of bank officials without delay and properly follow the guidance provided by banking personnel to ensure that their problems are resolved smoothly and effectively.
During the programme, detailed information was also provided about activating zero-balance savings accounts opened by customers and reactivating dormant or long-inactive bank accounts by submitting the necessary documents. Participants were informed about various customer welfare initiatives offered by the bank, including insurance facilities, pension schemes, loan fairs, loan waiver-related provisions and incentive or gift schemes.
Special emphasis was also placed on encouraging women to become financially independent by undertaking income-generating activities with small investments. The resource persons shared suggestions on how women, particularly members of Self-Help Groups, could make better use of banking facilities and available financial opportunities to improve their economic conditions.
Several grassroots-level representatives, including Community Resource Persons (CRPs), LCS members, Panchayat Manch presidents and office-bearers of Self-Help Groups, including presidents and secretaries, participated in the awareness programme and shared their views on the initiative.
Bank employee Manas Nayak delivered the vote of thanks, marking the conclusion of the programme.
The awareness camp aimed to strengthen financial literacy among rural residents, particularly women, and encourage greater participation in formal banking services while ensuring that people are aware of the financial benefits and welfare schemes available to them.
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