Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, organized Mega Camps in Patnagarh and Madhiapali Gram Panchayats in Bolangir district, Odisha today under the Saturation Campaign of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The campaign, running from July 1 to September 30, 2025, aims to ensure 100% coverage of financial inclusion and social security schemes at the Gram Panchayat (GP) and Urban Local Bodies (ULB) level across the country.
The event across both the locations saw enthusiastic engagement from more than 600 villagers, highlighting the growing need for financial literacy and accessible banking services in rural areas. The programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda; Dr. Sarada Prasan Mohanty, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India; Smt Kavitanjali Sahoo, Sarpanch, Batharla Gram Panchayat (Patnagarh); Shri Shukuru Mahananda, Sarpanch, Madhiapali Gram Panchayat; Smt. Swapna Bandopadhaya, General Manager & Zonal Head, Bhubaneswar Zone; and Shri Debi Prasad Mohanty, Regional Manager, Sambalpur Region, along with senior officials from the banking fraternity and Government departments.
In his keynote address, Dr. Sarada Prasan Mohanty, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India emphasized the importance of financial inclusion and ensuring accessible banking services to every citizen, and said,"Awareness of schemes, timely enrollment, and vigilance against digital fraud are as vital as opening accounts. These initiatives can transform rural households into financially secure families.” He personally interacted with the participants at both the camps.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda, said, “Financial inclusion ensures equitable development and empowers every section of society. Initiatives like these camps play a crucial role in ensuring that banking services, insurance, and social security schemes reach every eligible individual and household.
The enthusiastic participation across diverse communities highlights the growing trust and confidence in formal banking channels. Our initiative today in the Bolangir district reflects our commitment to take financial services to the last mile and empower communities in Odisha.
Having a Zonal Office of the Bank at Bhubaneswar and 19 new branches opened in the state of Odisha during the last 12 months, the growth of Odisha is at the heart of Bank of Baroda’s journey towards Viksit Bharat in partnership with all the stakeholders.” As a significant part of the programme, assistance on financial services were provided to the communities, including opening new accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) for unbanked individuals, and enrollment in vital social security schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
Additionally, re-KYC drives were conducted for eligible inactive savings accounts under PMJDY, supported by awareness sessions focused on preventing digital fraud. Specialized counters for soiled note exchange were set up for the convenience of the customers, along with Banking Correspondent (BC) Points. On this occasion credit facilities were also disbursed by way of handing over cheques to the borrowers.
This Mega Camp embodies Bank of Baroda’s continued commitment to the Government of India’s vision of inclusive financial empowerment.
About Bank of Baroda
Founded on 20th July, 1908 by Sir Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Bank of Baroda is one of the leading commercial banks in India. At 63.97% stake, it is majorly owned by the Government of India. The Bank serves its global customer base of over ~180 million through around 65,000 touch points spread across 17 countries in five continents and through its various digital banking platforms, which provide all banking products and services in a seamless and hassle-free manner.
The Bank’s vision matches the aspirations of its diverse clientele base and seeks to instil a sense of trust and security in all their dealings with the Bank.