Guwahati, Assam, 24th of June 2026 : Incorporating livelihood activities into financial inclusion is the main focus, as true financial inclusion aims to empower individuals by linking financial access with sustainable income-generating opportunities, enabling them to improve their economic well-being, build resilience and participate more effectively in the growth and development process of nation said Ms. Sushmita Phukan, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI). She was addressing at the regional media workshop ‘Vartalap’ organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI), today on the theme “12 Years of Vishwas, Vikas and Jan-Kalyan: Empowerment Through Financial Inclusion.”
Ms. Phukan highlighted the importance of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and spoke about RBI’s action plans towards strengthening financial inclusion. She also stressed the transformative role of technology-driven platforms such as UPI and Jan Dhan accounts in expanding financial access.
A panel discussion on “Empowerment Through Financial Inclusion” was organised during the programme, featuring Ms. Sushmita Phukan, Regional Director, RBI; Shri Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD; Shri Atul Rathi, Chief General Manager, SBI; and Dr. Abhijit Sharma, Professor, IIBM. The session was moderated by Shri Trideep Lahkar, Senior Chief Correspondent, PTI.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Abhijit Sharma highlighted the long journey of financial inclusion in India, tracing its evolution through initiatives such as Self Help Groups (SHGs), RBI policies, JAM Trinity, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the growth of digital payment infrastructure. He underlined how various ease-of-living initiatives of the Government have further strengthened financial inclusion and expanded access to financial services.
Shri Atul Rathi spoke about SBI’s role in nation-building by balancing opportunity, responsibility, social responsibility and commercial viability. He highlighted that SBI is working towards transforming India through financial inclusion and stated that financial inclusion creates opportunities while also being beneficial and sustainable for the banking sector. He emphasised the importance of financial inclusion in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Shri Loken Das highlighted NABARD’s role as an apex financial institution working towards inclusive growth by supporting government initiatives and providing finance and refinance support to banks for agricultural and rural infrastructure development. He noted that digitalisation has taken financial inclusion to a new level by improving accessibility and outreach among citizens.
During the workshop Shri Amit Ranjan, DGM, SBI highlighted the progress of financial inclusion in Assam over the last 12 years, focusing on expanding banking access, digital transformation and inclusive growth. Shri Ranjan highlighted the role of initiatives such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana, JAM Trinity, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), social security schemes and digital payment platforms like UPI in bringing citizens into the formal financial system and ensuring transparent delivery of government benefits.
During the session it was discussed that PMJDY penetration in Assam stands at 79,894 accounts per lakh population against the national average of 47,743, which highlights State’s strong financial inclusion performance. Furthermore, over the last four years, ₹16,640 crore has been transferred directly to around 1.82 crore beneficiaries in Assam through various DBT-enabled schemes demonstrating the growing scale, reach and effectiveness of digital welfare delivery.
During the deliberations it was discussed that growth of banking infrastructure in Assam was possible through increased reach of bank branches, ATMs and Business Correspondent (BC)/CSP networks, strengthening last-mile financial services. The discussion emphasised SBI’s commitment towards nation-building by promoting financial empowerment while maintaining social responsibility and sustainable banking practices, contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event began with welcome remarks by Shri Kripa Shankar Yadav (IIS), Additional Director General, PIB North-East Zone, who highlighted the importance of effective communication between the government and media in creating awareness about various public welfare initiatives.
Earlier in the day, a Medical Health Camp with the support of AIIMS Guwahati was organised for media participants, offering health consultations from specialists including general physicians, dentists, ENT and orthopaedic experts.
The programme brought together media professionals, government representatives, financial institutions, experts and media students to discuss the journey, progress and impact of financial inclusion initiatives in Assam and across the country.
About The Author
More Stories
BE Group Elevates Vinay Raghav As Chief Revenue Officer To Drive Group Growth Strategy | 24th June 2026.
Manglam Group Expands Hospitality Footprint With Rs. 350 Crore Investment In Sheraton Hotel On Jaipur–Ajmer Highway.
UAi University Chancellor Tarun Anand Successfully Completes Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Reaching An Altitude Of 13,550 Feet.