25 crore out of poverty, 15.8 crore homes with tap water: India’s welfare story in numbers

June 10, 2026 1:10 PM

25 crore out of poverty, 15.8 crore homes with tap water: India’s welfare story in numbers

Over the past decade, India's welfare landscape has undergone a significant transformation, marked by an expansion of social protection programmes, improved access to basic services and greater use of technology in public service delivery. Government data indicate that nearly 25 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23, while access to housing, healthcare, sanitation, financial services and livelihood opportunities expanded across the country.   Poverty R...

AI-powered financial inclusion reshaping India’s digital economy

May 14, 2026 5:28 PM

AI-powered financial inclusion reshaping India’s digital economy

India’s financial inclusion journey is entering a new phase, powered by the convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), transforming how banking, lending, and financial services are delivered across the country. What began as a mission to provide basic banking access has evolved into a technology-driven ecosystem focused on real-time, intelligent, and inclusive financial services at scale. By leveraging digital footprints, consent-based data sharing, a...

Department of Posts, Rural Development Ministry sign MoU to boost financial inclusion and livelihoods in villages

January 8, 2026 12:42 PM

Department of Posts, Rural Development Ministry sign MoU to boost financial inclusion and livelihoods in villages

In a step towards accelerating rural transformation, the Department of Posts (DoP) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen financial inclusion, promote livelihoods and enhance logistics and digital services for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households across the country. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Union Mi...

India Post Payments Bank marks 8th foundation day

September 1, 2025 4:36 PM

India Post Payments Bank marks 8th foundation day

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) today celebrated its 8th Foundation Day, also known as IPPB Day, reaffirming its commitment to providing inclusive, accessible and affordable banking services at the last mile. Since its launch in 2018, IPPB has become one of the world’s largest financial inclusion initiatives, leveraging the reach of over 1.64 lakh post offices and 1.90 lakh Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). The Bank has on-boarded more than 12 crore customers, processed billions of digital...

India’s financial inclusion gains momentum: Report

August 7, 2025 1:35 PM

India’s financial inclusion gains momentum: Report

The foresight to build a financially empowered India, taking banking beyond branches, is making it a success. From remote to urban areas, a wave of change is noticeable across the country with an inclusive financial system. Bank accounts, credits, pensions, and insurance,  which were once a luxury for some, are now accessible to all. According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the accessibility of financial services, products and financial literacy has been on the rise. The ...

FM Nirmala Sitharaman takes stock of financial inclusion schemes in Ladakh

June 15, 2025 2:59 PM

FM Nirmala Sitharaman takes stock of financial inclusion schemes in Ladakh

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday visited an exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by Self Help Groups (SHG) and local entrepreneurs of the Ladakh region. She interacted with artisans, women-led SHGs and local entrepreneurs showcasing traditional crafts, handloom textiles and sustainable innovations at their stalls. The Finance Minister appreciated the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of the artisans, highlighting their role in preserving cultural heritage and ...