Bridging the Gap: Bringing Progress to Every Doorstep

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The School of Business and Management (MBA), Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, in collaboration with the LiFE Financial Literacy Programme , Centre for Social Action (CSA)and South Indian Bank has successfully conducted the Jan Dhan Suraksha Abhiyan – A Rural Financial Literacy and Inclusion Initiative in the Bhoini and Dasve villages of the Lavasa region. The initiative aimed to strengthen financial literacy, promote banking inclusion, and enhance awareness of government-backed social security schemes among rural households.The first level training session for MBA students and B.com(LIFE)students were conducted on 29/01/2026 as part of the Financial Literacy Program (Pradan Mantri Jan Dhan Suraksha Abhiyan).

The final outreach programme was organized on 8/02/2026  to address the continued gap between the availability of financial inclusion schemes and their effective utilization at the grassroots level. Although schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) are widely implemented, many rural families remain excluded due to limited awareness, lack of procedural clarity, and hesitation in accessing formal banking services. The Jan Dhan Suraksha Abhiyan was designed to bridge this gap through direct engagement, awareness creation, and facilitation.

The event commenced with a preparatory orientation session for MBA students, conducted by faculty members and financial literacy coordinators. Students were trained on the objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements of various financial inclusion and social security schemes. This orientation enabled students to function effectively as facilitators during village-level outreach. The involvement of the Centre for Social Action ensured ethical engagement and effective mobilization of the local community.

Village-level awareness sessions were conducted in the local language to ensure inclusivity and comprehension. The sessions focused on the importance of formal banking, savings habits, insurance coverage, and pension security for long-term financial stability. Concepts were explained using simple examples and interactive discussions, allowing villagers to relate the schemes to their everyday financial needs.

A significant outcome of the initiative was the opening of 20 new bank accounts for rural households during the programme. These accounts were opened to facilitate financial inclusion and serve as entry points into the formal banking system. For these newly opened accounts, the process of availing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was initiated. Beneficiaries were informed that enrollment-related procedures, including scheme linkage and activation of benefits, would be taken forward as part of the follow-up process. This tangible outcome reflected the practical impact of the initiative beyond awareness creation.

Students played an active role in assisting villagers with understanding eligibility requirements, completing documentation, and clarifying doubts related to account opening and scheme enrollment. Special attention was given to women, senior citizens, and economically vulnerable households, recognizing their greater exposure to financial insecurity. The initiative encouraged women’s participation in banking and social security schemes, emphasizing their role in household financial decision-making.

The Jan Dhan Suraksha Abhiyan provided an important experiential learning opportunity for MBA students. Direct engagement with rural communities enabled them to apply classroom knowledge of finance, public policy, sustainability, and social responsibility in real-world settings. The initiative helped students develop communication skills, empathy, leadership, and an understanding of grassroots financial challenges.

The programme also strengthened the relationship between the university and the local community. Villagers actively participated in the sessions and expressed appreciation for the clarity provided on banking procedures and government schemes. The initiative reinforced the role of academic institutions in supporting inclusive development through outreach and extension activities.

Overall, the Jan Dhan Suraksha Abhiyan was a meaningful and impactful initiative that combined awareness, facilitation, and measurable outcomes. By opening 20 bank accounts and initiating the PMJDY process, the programme contributed directly to financial inclusion while simultaneously enriching student learning. The event reflected Christ University’s commitment to value-based education, community engagement, and inclusive socio-economic development


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