Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, chaired a review meeting with heads of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), in New Delhi. The review meeting was also attended by senior executives of NABARD, SIDBI, Mudra Ltd. and NPCI.

During the meeting, Dr. Joshi reviewed the progress under various Financial Inclusion schemes including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand Up India and PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi). He also reviewed the progress of opening of brick & mortar branches of banks in unbanked villages having population more than 3,000 poeple.

Dr. Joshi urged the PSBs to diligently work toward fulfilling the targets set for them under these financial inclusion programmes for the current financial year. The issues related to digital transactions were also discussed in the meeting with special focus on promotion of digital payments.

Dr. Joshi emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure the successful accomplishment the ongoing campaign of Jan Suraksha schemes for saturation of PMJJBY & PMSBY, being conducted across all Gram Panchayats of the country from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

Dr. Joshi underscored the importance of swift bank account verification for successful implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme during the review of the banking preparedness of the newly-launched PM Vishwakarma scheme for supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on the issues related to Central Know Your Customer (CKCY), Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Account Aggregators, National Cyber Security Awareness month, Public Grievances & Appointment of CISO, Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal and Special Campaign 3.0.

Dr. Joshi also urged the PSBs to encourage procurement through Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

Under the Special Campaign Disposal of Pending Matters 3.0, Dr. Joshi emphasised upon speedy disposal of Public grievances, activation of dormant accounts, updation of nomination details in bank accounts through regular campaigns.

Financial inclusion targets urged: banks to accelerate scheme implementation and digital payments while addressing grievances and dormant accounts. Review meeting assessed progress of Financial Inclusion Schemes and banking preparedness, urging Public Sector Banks to meet implementation targets, expand brick-and-mortar branches in unbanked villages, and prioritize continuous monitoring. Operational priorities included a saturation campaign for Jan Suraksha schemes, swift account verification for PM Vishwakarma, promotion of digital payments, and measures under Special Campaign 3.0 for grievance disposal, dormant account activation and nomination updates. Systemic topics covered Central KYC, Account Aggregators, IBC issues, cybersecurity awareness, CISO appointment and GeM procurement.