What Happened

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, concluded a two-day workshop focused on enhancing the accessibility of financial services for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities). The event took place on August 20-21, 2026, in Bengaluru, in collaboration with Union Bank of India at its Staff College.

Discussions on the second day specifically addressed measures to improve financial service accessibility for Divyangjans within Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Public Sector Insurance Companies (PSICs), Sectoral Regulators, and Public Financial Institutions (PFIs). The workshop featured participation from Chief Technology Officers and senior HR officials representing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI.

Attendees also included representatives from all 12 Public Sector Banks, 7 Public Sector Insurance Companies, and 7 Public Sector Financial Institutions. A sensitisation session highlighted the Sugamya Bharat initiative, covering accessibility standards and compliance requirements. A roundtable discussion followed, focusing on legal provisions related to accessibility, practical challenges, and sharing best practices. Eminent accessibility experts and Divyangjan employees shared their perspectives and insights.

Key Facts

  • The workshop was organised by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.
  • It was held from August 20-21, 2026, in Bengaluru.
  • Union Bank of India co-hosted the event at its Staff College.
  • Participants included CTOs and senior HR functionaries from RBI, PFRDA, IRDAI, all 12 PSBs, 7 PSICs, and 7 PFIs.
  • Discussions covered enhancing accessibility for Divyangjans in PSBs, PSICs, Sectoral Regulators, and PFIs.
  • A sensitisation session on the Sugamya Bharat initiative was conducted.
  • Eminent accessibility experts and Divyangjan employees shared insights.
  • The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session on operational challenges and actionable measures.

Why It Matters

The workshop signifies the Government's reaffirmed commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring equitable access to financial services for Divyangjans. This initiative brings together key financial institutions and regulatory bodies to address specific challenges in financial accessibility.

What To Watch

The workshop explored actionable measures to promote inclusivity and strengthen institutional capacity across the financial services ecosystem. Future actions will demonstrate how these discussions translate into concrete improvements in accessibility standards and compliance within participating institutions.