IIM Raipur holds financial inclusion programme for villagers

The Finance Club of IIM Raipur, Finatix recently organised the 2nd phase of its financial inclusion programme - Sanchayan , in Datrenga village in Sejbahar. The event is aimed at spreading awareness about various government schemes that empower people financially.

Sanchayan attempts to fill the information void that exists among the villagers about these schemes and tries to equip them with specific knowledge required to enjoy the benefits. Finatix discussed about 5 important schemes of the Central Government - Jan DhanYojna, Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Beema Yojna, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna and MUDRA bank.

“We felt that the people are eager to save their hard earned money and invest in relevant platforms to make their lives better, but do not know the exact procedure of doing so. There is a lack of last mile connectivity with banks and information flow is not completely free. Hence we decided to educate them on savings and interest earned on it through various schemes,” said Rohit Kumar, an IIM Raipur students and Executive Member of Finatix.

The villagers were made aware about the overdraft facility of Rs 5000 that they can avail out of their Jan Dhan bank accounts. The vital information, that a person needs to make at least one transaction within 6 months of opening the account, came handy to people. Similarly, the working youth of Mujgahan were surprised to learn that they can get a pension of Rs 5000 per month after the age of 60 by contributing just Rs 210 per month.

Apart from the information void, several other factors also impede the implementation of government schemes. “We contacted the nearby bank to get us covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan BeemaYojna, but the bank officials asked us all to come to the bank. It would be good at the part of the government if a Banking Correspondent could be appointed for our village. It is difficult for the 500 of us to go to the bank for getting insured,” said Lakhanlal, a resident of Datrenga according to the press statement.

The villagers showed a very positive outlook towards the girl child scheme. Mothers of girls were glad to know about the benefits that government provides under the 'Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna.' “This information will come handy for the guardians of girls below 10 years of age. An annual contribution of just Rs 1000 ensures high returns when the daughters turn 18 is a relieving assurance,” said Preeti, the lady Sarpanch of Datrenga in the statement.