Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have had called upon banks to come forward for further development of Northeastern states and Tripura. After inaugurating a seminar on Financial Literacy and awareness at Pragna Bhawan today, Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma said, after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, the whole perspective about Northeast has changed. Earlier, people used to perceive Northeastern states to be prone to terrorist attacks. Now, people talk about how many bridges, how many factories and how many houses are being built in the Northeast. Calling upon the banks to extend their helping hand in tourism development, he said, there is a huge scope for tourism development in the Northeast, especially in Tripura. Calling upon the banks to come forward and take positive role in case of house construction under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he said, there use to be a time when only high class and middle class used to go to banks. Now people from all walks of life are taking services from the bank. Banks also play an important role in providing social security to the people. Banks are the backbone of development. People from all walks of life need to well aware of this.
Deputy CM said, it is immensely important for people to know about Financial Literacy. In fact, every Panchayat must generate awareness in this regard. He said, Prime Minister’s flagship programmes play a significant role in ensuring social security. Emphasizing to focus on retired life besides working life, Deputy CM said, the central government has various schemes in this regard. Public are well aware of that. Banks plays an important role in public welfare. Deputy CM appreciated Jan Dhan Yojana on bringing even the poor under the bank. Women in the country have Jan Dhan accounts. It is visible through this that special importance is being given to women empowerment. He said, SHGs play a significant role in improving the state economy. The number of SHGs has increased from 4 thousand to 35 thousand during the period of the present government. The statistics shows the continued efforts of the government towards making women financially self-reliant.
Additional Secretary of Finance department Akinchan Sarkar said, the term ‘Financial Literacy’ may sound new to us, but this is familiar term in developed countries as students are taught about it already in their schools. He hoped that this also starts in the country. He said, everyone must have knowledge about financial policies, else one tends to face various challenges to avail banks services and facilities.
DGM of Punjab Nationa Bank said, Jan Dhan account is a milestone step in banking sector. A large number of rural population has been brought under this scheme through banking. Regional Manager (SBI), South Dipak Chandra Das said, efforts are being made to uplift socio-economic condition of the people living in rural areas. Zonal Manager of UCO Bank Raju Das said, people must be aware about different public welfare schemes of central and state government and about how to avail these facilities. MD of Tripura State Cooperative Bank Bhajan Roy said, the bank has laid special emphasis on Financial Literacy. Seminars and discussions are being held regarding this. National Head of HDFC Pension and retirement Ranbir Singh Dhariwal said, financial literacy plays a significant role in investments.
Welcome speech was delivered by Director of Institutional Finance Rakhi Biswas. Vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Director of Institutional Finance Emily Reang.
