The Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign was held at the Thonoknyu Baptist Church Guest House in Noklak district on October 21 on the theme “Towards a Financially Inclusive and Empowered Nagaland.”
The campaign aimed to strengthen financial inclusion in remote and far-flung areas. Thonoknyu block, with an estimated population of 13,000 to 15,000 across 19 villages, was identified as an area with limited access to formal banking and financial services. The campaign sought to bridge the gap between local communities and the formal banking system by creating awareness about banking services and government-backed financial schemes.
Branch Manager, Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB), Noklak, Temsulepden, spoke on Know Your Customer (KYC) and KYC re-verification, emphasising the importance of keeping banking documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, updated to ensure convenient access to banking services. He explained the classification of bank customers into low-, medium- and high-risk categories, noting that the low-risk category generally included customers with lower-income accounts and small account balances. He also highlighted the importance of re-verification in maintaining access to banking services and encouraged villagers to maintain a good relationship with their banks.
Branch Manager, State Bank of India (SBI), Noklak, Mingge Lego, highlighted four government-backed financial inclusion and social security schemes: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which provides access to basic banking services; Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), which offers life insurance coverage; Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), which provides insurance against accidental death and disability; and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), which helps eligible beneficiaries secure a regular pension after the age of 60. He encouraged villagers to enroll in the schemes to strengthen their financial security.
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Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Thonoknyu, Tsiatsusie, urged villagers to open bank accounts to ensure financial security and facilitate safe transactions. While highlighting the availability of agricultural produce in the area, he pointed out the lack of proper market linkages and access to banking services as major challenges faced by local farmers. He also stressed the need for an SBI branch in the area, noting that a majority of account holders were SBI customers.
Representative of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Imkong Yanger Imchen, briefed the gathering on NABARD’s role in promoting rural development and financial inclusion through various projects and initiatives. He highlighted the importance of having a bank account as a basic step towards financial inclusion, along with access to insurance, pension schemes and ATM facilities. He also stressed the need for greater financial awareness and encouraged the youth to develop responsible financial habits and contribute to the growth and development of Thonoknyu.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) representative, Thanggonmang Hangsing, highlighted the role and functions of the RBI. He encouraged villagers not only to open bank accounts but also to cultivate regular savings habits, prepare monthly budgets and practise proper financial management.
Lead District Manager (LDM), Noklak, Tenuakum, sensitised the gathering on cybercrime and cautioned bank account holders against fraudulent calls from individuals posing as bank officials. He advised them to remain vigilant, avoid responding to suspicious calls and never disclose sensitive banking information, including account details, PINs and one-time passwords (OTPs), to prevent financial fraud.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by T Tainyu, Area Coordinator, FI-NSRLM, Thonoknyu block, while H Lalhlimpuia, Coordinator, SBLC , Kohima, short speech was delivered by Yantsutong, Village Council, Invocation by Shingnyo, Pastor, TBC and benediction by Tali, Pastor, TVBC.
