JAMMU, Jul 8: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and expanding the reach of government-backed social security schemes, Punjab National Bank (PNB) organized a comprehensive Financial Inclusion and Saturation Camp at Miran Sahib in Jammu district. The programme focused on extending essential banking services to the grassroots while promoting digital financial literacy and safe banking practices among citizens.
The camp was inaugurated in the presence of Smt. Vibha Gupta, Deputy General Manager (DGM), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), who attended as the chief guest. She was joined by Saroop Kumar, DGM, RBI; Pankaj Kumar Verma, Circle Head, PNB Jammu; Rohit Sharma, Chief Manager, PNB; and Surjeet Saini, Branch Head, PNB, along with branch heads of various banks operating in the region.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, public representatives, and banking professionals, including senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma, reflecting strong community engagement in the drive towards inclusive and accessible banking.
During the camp, bank officials facilitated Re-KYC compliance for existing customers, assisted eligible beneficiaries in opening new accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), updated nomination details to ensure secure transmission of financial assets, and enrolled citizens under flagship social security schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
A dedicated awareness session on digital banking safety and cyber fraud prevention was also organised, where participants were educated about secure online banking practices, protection against phishing and fraudulent transactions, and the importance of safeguarding personal banking credentials in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, RBI and PNB officials underlined the importance of taking banking services to the doorstep of every citizen, particularly those residing in rural and semi-urban areas. They stressed that universal access to banking, insurance, pension and digital financial services remains central to the vision of an inclusive and resilient economy.
The dignitaries reiterated their commitment to achieving 100 per cent saturation of financial inclusion and social security schemes, noting that coordinated efforts between banks, regulators and local communities are essential for empowering citizens and ensuring that the benefits of the country’s financial infrastructure reach every eligible household.
The camp concluded with on-the-spot resolution of customer queries, enrolment of beneficiaries under various schemes, and an appeal to residents to actively adopt secure digital banking practices and take advantage of the welfare initiatives available through the formal banking system.