The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today urged the Reserve Bank of India to take the lead in encouraging financial institutions to set concrete targets for financial inclusion over the next 20 years, to help transform the quality of life of the poor. "I come as a representative of the poor, underprivileged, marginalized and tribals; I am one among them; I seek on their behalf and trust you will not disappoint me," the Prime Minister said, at the RBI Conference on Financial Inclusion, which also marked the completion of 80 years of the Reserve Bank of India.

PM Modi attends Financial Inclusion Conference of RBI in Mumbai (1) He encouraged RBI to set goals on intermediate targets: of 2019, when the country will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi; 2022, 75 years of independence; 2025, 90 years of RBI, and 2035, 100 years of RBI.

The Prime Minister said the success of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and the Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG subsidy, had shown the potential of the enormous role that the banking sector can play in ensuring financial inclusion.

PM Modi attends Financial Inclusion Conference of RBI in Mumbai The Prime Minister called for making financial inclusion a "habit." He asked banks to take inspiration from the success of women self-help groups. He asked banks to keep in mind the requirement of youth who needed either knowledge or skills. He also gave the example of the soon-to-be-launched MUDRA initiative in this regard. He urged banks to come up with creative financial inclusion instruments to help prevent farmer suicides.

PM Modi attends Financial Inclusion Conference of RBI in Mumbai (7) The Prime Minister said that along with economic and social parameters, there is need to think of a geographical parameter as well for financial inclusion. He said eastern India had immense economic potential, and the banking sector should recognize and plan for this.

Appreciating the role played by RBI over the last 80 years, the Prime Minister complimented the RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan, for his grasp and clarity on economic issues.

As part of the Make in India initiative, the Prime Minister urged RBI to take the lead in ensuring that India starts to manufacture the paper and ink that are used to print currency notes.

PM Modi attends Financial Inclusion Conference of RBI in Mumbai (4) The Governor of Maharashtra Shri Vidyasagar Rao, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, and the Governor of the RBI Dr. Raghuram Rajan were present on the occasion.

Click here to read full text speech

Explore More
140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day

Popular Speeches

140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day
India and France strengthen defence ties: MBDA and Naval group set to boost 'Make in India' initiative

Media Coverage

India and France strengthen defence ties: MBDA and Naval group set to boost 'Make in India' initiative
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Share your ideas and suggestions for 'Mann Ki Baat' now!
October 05, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, October 27th. If you have innovative ideas and suggestions, here is an opportunity to directly share it with the PM. Some of the suggestions would be referred by the Prime Minister during his address.

Share your inputs in the comments section below.