OSAFII Organizes 6th Financial Inclusion Conclave

To achieve the vision of a Vikasita Odisha, ensuring access to diverse financial services for all households is essential.

However, with limited bank branches, rural and remote areas face challenges in accessing banking services. This makes the role of microfinance institutions crucial.

Currently, over 80 microfinance institutions, banks, and financial organizations operate in Odisha, supporting 46 lakh women entrepreneurs with outstanding loans of ₹21,797 Cr. Notably, 71% of these women reside in rural and inaccessible areas.

The 6th State-Level Financial Inclusion Conclave, held at the East Coast Railway Auditorium, Bhubaneswar, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the impact of financial inclusion. The event was inaugurated by Mr Pramod Kumar (GM, SIDBI) and Mr Dibyajyoti Pattanaik (President, OSAFII), with Mr Narendra Nayak (CEO, OSAFII) presenting the institution’s annual achievements.

Key speakers included Mr Habib Sahik (VP, MFIN), Dr Saibul Paul (Director, Sa-Dhan), Mr Pradyumna Kumar Choudhury (DGM, SIDBI), Mr Anoj Kumar Pradhan (FI Advisor, OLM/Mission Shakti), Mr Alok Pattanayak (VP, Share India Fincap Pvt Ltd.), and Mr Gobind Dash (VP, OSAFII), who shared insights on financial inclusion.

Discussions centred on digital finance, skill development, and small business growth through microfinance lending. The event saw participation from 600 women entrepreneurs across 30 districts, with 30 outstanding women entrepreneurs being honoured for their achievements.

The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Ashish Kumar Das and Mr. Jugal Kishore Pattanayak, Board Members of OSAFII.