ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Goa, and ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, in collaboration with Canara Bank and Bank of Maharashtra, organized a Financial Inclusion Awareness Campaign on September 17, 2025, at the KVK premises. The campaign aimed to educate rural participants about various government social security schemes, digital banking services, and financial literacy initiatives.
Mr. S. K. L. Das, General Manager, Head Office, Bangalore, was the Chief Guest of the function. He emphasized the importance of various social security schemes launched by the Government of India. he highlighted the achievements of Canara Bank in various government schemes, including dedicated facilities for Re-KYC services and account reactivation, which empower customers, especially those from remote areas. He also emphasized the bank’s grievance redressal mechanisms and precautions against digital fraud.
Mr. Ratikant Dora, Regional Head, Goa, highlighted key initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), a life insurance scheme that offers coverage of ₹2 lakh for death due to any reason, to all subscribers aged 18–50 years, with an annual premium of ₹436. He also spoke about the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), which provides accident insurance of ₹2 lakh for an annual premium of just ₹20. Additionally, he mentioned the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), a contributory pension scheme for bank account holders aged 18–40 years, offering a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 from the age of 60, depending on the contributions made.
Mr. Anil Kumar Tiwari, Director, Archaeological Survey of India, Goa, was the Guest of Honor. He urged the participants to take advantage of various financial schemes. He emphasized that in today’s digital era, cashless transactions are gaining immense popularity, enabling users to access banking services at any time and from anywhere. He also advised everyone to remain vigilant against digital fraud.
Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, CCARI, North Goa, welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the institutions involved in implementing social security schemes, including major banks, regional rural banks, and insurance companies. A total of 92 participants (79 female and 13 male) attended the programme and received detailed information on the various schemes, facilitated by officials from Canara Bank. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Athithya Kumar, Branch Manager, Old Goa. The event was coordinated by Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Mr. Athithya Kumar, Dr. Sanjaykumar Udharwar, Shri Rahul Kumar, Dr. Nivya K. R., and Mr. A. K. Tiwari.