Nagaland: Financial inclusion campaign reaches Sirhima village

DIMAPUR — A financial inclusion (FI) camp, part of the nationwide campaign launched by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, was held at Sirhima village GP, Medziphema Block, Chümoukedima district, on Saturday.

The camp focused on spreading awareness about financial and digital literacy, covering key social security schemes such as PMSBY, PMJJBY, APY, and PMJDY.

It also highlighted the importance of preventing digital fraud, avoiding unplanned deposits, completing re-KYC of all savings accounts when due, and encouraged opening of PMJDY accounts.

Addressing the event, Chief General Manager, Financial Inclusion and Development Department (FIDD) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Central Office, R Giridharan, emphasised that banking plays an important role throughout life and added that banking is not just about depositing money, but also about building a relationship of trust with the bank.

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He stressed that re-KYC is essential for building a strong relationship of trust with the bank, and to spread this awareness, bank officials are present to assist the people.

Giridharan also noted that there are many government schemes available, but in Nagaland, awareness about them remains limited. He urged the gathering to learn about these schemes, as they can be highly beneficial.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy General Manager (C&A) of Bank of Baroda, Zonal Office Guwahati, Biswajit Swain noted that with the rise in digital transactions across the country, incidents of digital fraud have also increased.

With regard to digital fraud, he clarified that there is no such thing as a “digital arrest” and urged people to recognise it as a scam and advice that in such cases, individuals should immediately approach the bank and the police.

He further cautioned against handing over one’s bank account to others, warning that if any fraudulent activity occurs through such an account, the account holder themselves will be held responsible and become the victim of the fraud.

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Surabhi Bhattacharyya from the SBI Administrative office, Jorhat, mentioned that such campaigns are being conducted in interior villages of the state, and to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat, it is essential for everyone to be financially included and financially literate.

She noted that opening a bank account has now become very easy and urged the gathering to take advantage of the three social security schemes PMSBY, PMJJBY, and APY, which are highly beneficial with very minimal investment.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Medziphema, P James Swu, remarked that although most villagers have bank accounts, many do not actively use them. He mentioned that financial inclusion is not just about updating documents, but also about building and sustaining trust with the bank.

Although there are many challenges, he expressed satisfaction that such initiatives are being undertaken. He highlighted that welfare schemes provided by banks are vital tools for empowering villagers.

At the campaign short speeches were also delivered by General Manager (officer-in-charge) RBI Kohima, Sibo Nekhini and GB of Sirhima village.

Following the formal programme, the bank officials conducted re-KYC of accounts, opening of PMJDY account, enrolment for PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY etc.