By Mohammad Tarique Saleem
In a significant move to deepen financial inclusion across rural India, the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has launched a special three-month Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign. This impactful initiative, scheduled to run from July 1 to September 30, 2025, aims to ensure that every citizen, especially those residing in the remotest corners of Uttar Pradesh, is brought within the ambit of formal financial services, disclosed Shailender Kumar Singh, Deputy General Manager-Zonal Head and Dilip Shukla, Director, Bank of Baroda, during a press conference held at the Zonal Office in Gomtinagar, Lucknow.
With a vision of empowering the rural population and spreading awareness about government-backed schemes, the campaign seeks to make financial services more accessible, inclusive, and secure. The campaign is being implemented on a massive scale, targeting all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh and covering over 57,000 Gram Panchayats. In every Gram Panchayat, at least one financial camp will be organized by designated banks to offer doorstep services.
These camps are designed to be more than just informative events, they are platforms for real-time access to financial services such as opening zero-balance accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, enrolling in life and accident insurance schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana at minimal premium rates, and subscribing to the Atal Pension Yojana for guaranteed post-retirement security.
In addition to account-related services, the camps will also facilitate claim settlements for families of beneficiaries already enrolled in these insurance schemes. Another important aspect of the campaign is the verification and updating of KYC details and nominee information, particularly for dormant or old savings accounts. Recognizing the rise of cyber threats, the campaign also prioritizes digital literacy by educating people on cyber safety and methods to prevent digital frauds, such as phishing and fake calls.
Citizens will be guided on how to protect their bank accounts from being misused as mule accounts and will receive help in reclaiming unclaimed funds lying in dormant accounts under the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund. The campaign reflects a harmonious collaboration between banks, government agencies, and local administration, all working in unison to ensure no eligible citizen is left behind.
Banks are playing a proactive role by deploying their business correspondents and representatives in villages to facilitate on-the-spot account openings and registrations. With transparency, accessibility, and awareness as its core values, this campaign not only strengthens India’s financial infrastructure but also brings dignity, security, and hope to millions of rural households.
