In a significant push for economic empowerment, the 7th State-Level Financial Inclusion Conclave was held in Bhubaneswar on February 6, 2026, drawing over 500 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across 30 districts.
The event highlighted the pivotal role of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in extending financial services to remote and underserved areas, fostering women entrepreneurship, and promoting financial literacy.
Inaugurated by RBI Regional Director Dr. Sarada Prasan Mohanty, the conclave emphasised responsible borrowing and timely repayments among SHG members. Chaired by OSAFII President Dibyajyoti Pattnaik, discussions revealed that MFIs have disbursed approximately Rs 18,000 crores to women SHG and Joint Liability Group (JLG) members for income-generating activities, including small businesses, household industries, water and sanitation, and housing. This support has also generated employment for over 15,000 youth in Odisha.
OSAFII CEO Narendra Nayak underscored collaborations with government bodies, RBI, SIDBI, NABARD, and private institutions to advance financial inclusion. Prominent speakers, including Michael Schlein (President, ACCIOM), Padmalochan Rautaray (Mission Shakti), and others from SBI, SIDBI, UNDP, and MFIs, deliberated on women entrepreneurship, digital literacy, social security, and related challenges.
The gathering reaffirmed OSAFII’s commitment to expanding enterprise development programs, aiming for holistic state growth. Participants left inspired, equipped with insights to drive community-level change.
