Financial Services Secretary Urges PSBs to Strengthen Financial Inclusion Initiatives

Financial Services Secretary Urges PSBs to Strengthen Financial Inclusion Initiatives

Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi convened a meeting with CEOs of public sector banks (PSBs) to discuss and review progress on government-led financial inclusion initiatives.

Objective

The meeting aimed to strengthen the last-mile delivery of financial services and enhance customer experience across banking services.

Discussion Points

  1. Progress of Financial Inclusion Schemes
    • Review of schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana.
    • Assessment of implementation and outreach effectiveness.
  2. Other Flagship Initiatives
    • Evaluation of Stand Up India, PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
    • Progress in financing initiatives such as ethanol blending in petrol (EBP) and compressed bio gas (CBG).
  3. Expansion of Banking Services
    • Progress review of opening brick and mortar bank branches in unbanked villages.
  4. Social Security and Financial Inclusion
    • Appreciation for achievements in expanding social security through government schemes.
  5. Technological Integration
    • Discussion on issues related to CKYC, Jan Samarth portal, and Aadhaar seeding.
    • Presentation by UIDAI on new products benefiting banks through Aadhaar authentication.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What was the primary focus of the meeting convened by Vivek Joshi with PSB CEOs?
    • A) Reviewing corporate governance practices
    • B) Enhancing financial inclusion initiatives
    • C) Discussing international banking regulations
    • D) Planning for mergers and acquisitions
    • Answer: B) Enhancing financial inclusion initiatives
  2. Which scheme was NOT specifically mentioned as part of the financial inclusion review?
    • A) PMJDY
    • B) PMJJBY
    • C) PM Kisan Yojana
    • D) PMSBY
    • Answer: C) PM Kisan Yojana
  3. Which technological integration initiative was highlighted during the meeting?
    • A) GST implementation
    • B) Aadhaar seeding
    • C) Land record digitization
    • D) Railway ticketing system upgrade
    • Answer: B) Aadhaar seeding
  4. What was appreciated by Vivek Joshi regarding the government’s efforts?
    • A) Achievements in sports infrastructure
    • B) Expansion of educational scholarships
    • C) Progress in social security and financial inclusion
    • D) Advances in agricultural research
    • Answer: C) Progress in social security and financial inclusion
  5. Which CEO participated in showcasing a new product for Aadhaar authentication?
    • A) CEO, NITI Aayog
    • B) CEO, UIDAI
    • C) CEO, RBI
    • D) CEO, SEBI
    • Answer: B) CEO, UIDAI