Total number of Financial Literacy Centres in Punjab – 130
All segments of the society need financial literacy in one form or the other. However, considering that a large segment of our society is financially excluded, financial literacy programs, at present, should primarily focus on the individuals who are vulnerable to persistent downward financial pressures due to lack of understanding in the matters relating to personal finance. Financial inclusion is a key agenda of the Government. If financial inclusion is to be achieved, financial literacy has to be addressed first. It creates demand for financial products & services. It would help banks to capture the untapped business opportunities.
Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) and rural branches of banks are in forefront of financial literacy. Farmers, micro and small entrepreneurs, schoolchildren, SHGs, senior citizens etc. are target groups. Different stakeholders viz. LDM, DDM of NABARD, LDO of RBI, District and Local administration, Block level officials, NGOs, SHGs, BCs, Farmers’ clubs, panchayats, PACS, village level functionaries etc. are adherents. The Financial Literacy Counsellor/Director heading the Financial Literacy Centre is the key stakeholder in driving the financial literacy initiatives at the ground level.
A major thrust has been given to the development of rural sector. The FLC Councillors and RSETI Directors have to play a vital role in the development of rural sector by spreading financial literacy and training people in self-employment. It is therefore suggested that whenever district level meetings are held, the FLC in-charges should also be invited so that during their field movement, they can percolate information to the people.
NABARD provides grant to RRBs & Co-operative Banks for setting up FLC at district level. Regional Rural Banks & Co-operative Banks are requested to inform the progress of such centres to SLBC on monthly basis.
Bank wise FLCs in Punjab
| Name of Bank | No. of Sponsored FLCs |
|---|---|
| Bank of India | 1 |
| Canara bank | 3 |
| Central Bank of India | 1 |
| HDFC Bank Ltd | 3 |
| Indian Bank | 2 |
| Punjab Gramin Bank | 13 |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | 20 |
| Punjab National Bank | 41 |
| State Bank of India | 30 |
| Punjab State Cooperative Bank | 12 |
| UCO Bank | 3 |
| Union Bank of India | 1 |
| Total | 130 |
District wise FLCs in Punjab
| S.No. | District | No. of Sponsored FLCs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amritsar | 9 |
| 2 | Barnala | 3 |
| 3 | Bathinda | 9 |
| 4 | Faridkot | 1 |
| 5 | Fatehgarh Sahib | 5 |
| 6 | Fazilka | 4 |
| 7 | Ferozepur | 6 |
| 8 | Gurdaspur | 10 |
| 9 | Hoshiarpur | 8 |
| 10 | Jalandhar | 11 |
| 11 | Kapurthala | 5 |
| 12 | Ludhiana | 9 |
| 13 | Mansa | 3 |
| 14 | Moga | 4 |
| 15 | Sri Mukatsar Sahib | 4 |
| 16 | Pathankot | 5 |
| 17 | Patiala | 9 |
| 18 | Rupnagar | 2 |
| 19 | Sangrur | 7 |
| 20 | SAS Nagar | 4 |
| 21 | SBS Nagar | 3 |
| 22 | Tarn Taran | 7 |
| 23 | Malerkotla | 2 |
| Total | 130 |