Workshop Held to Boost Reservation Policy and Accessibility in Financial Institutions

In a significant push toward inclusive governance and service delivery, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance, commenced a two-day workshop on July 12 at the SBI Academy in Gurugram. The initiative is centered around strengthening the implementation of the Reservation Policy across India’s Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Public Sector Insurance Companies (PSICs), Sectoral Regulators, and Public Financial Institutions (PFIs). It also aims to foster financial inclusion for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities) and ensure timely, quality public grievance redressal.

A Focus on Inclusive Governance

This strategic workshop underscores the Government of India’s sustained commitment to social equity and financial empowerment. By bringing together top officials from regulatory and financial institutions, the workshop aims to ensure uniform, effective, and empathetic application of reservation policies. Special emphasis was laid on creating accessible environments and ensuring all citizens, including Divyangjans, can benefit equally from the financial ecosystem.

Senior leadership from Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), 12 leading Public Sector Banks, 7 Public Sector Insurance Companies, and 7 key Public Sector Financial Institutions were present. Also in attendance were Chief Liaison Officers and senior officials from the Department of Financial Services.

Training for Transformation

The sessions were designed not merely as policy reiterations but as practical engagements to upskill senior staff in managing and mainstreaming affirmative actions. By equipping them with a deeper understanding of legal mandates and operational best practices, the workshop aims to drive measurable improvements in institutional behavior and service delivery.

Key discussion points included:

• Constitutional provisions regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

• Detailed deliberations on vertical and horizontal reservations, especially in the context of employment and promotions.

• Step-by-step instructions on the preparation and maintenance of reservation rosters.

• Comprehensive orientation on the roles and responsibilities of Liaison Officers, who act as nodal agents for implementing reservation policies.

Rights-Based Approach for Persons with Disabilities

Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities, the workshop also emphasized accessibility and compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and the subsequent 2017 Rules. These legal frameworks mandate inclusive infrastructure, equitable opportunity, and assistive support mechanisms.

Officials from the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities joined the sessions to provide insights into:

• Accessibility guidelines for physical and digital financial services.

• Designing inclusive grievance redressal mechanisms.

• Institutional responsibilities in ensuring non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation.

Public Grievance Redressal

Another critical facet of the workshop was a focus on strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. Ensuring citizens have timely access to fair and transparent complaint resolution processes remains a core function of financial institutions. Emphasis was placed on leveraging technology, streamlining workflows, and ensuring accountability to build public trust.

Collaboration for Capacity Building

Subject-matter experts from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) provided detailed briefings on regulatory compliance and best practices, contributing to an environment of knowledge sharing and inter-agency learning.

This initiative by the DFS reiterates the government’s broader policy goal: to build a people-centric financial sector that reflects India's constitutional values of equality, accessibility, and justice.

The workshop in Gurugram is a testament to the Government of India’s proactive stance in driving institutional reforms that benefit marginalized communities. It sends a strong message about the importance of inclusive finance—not just as a policy goal, but as an operational imperative for every financial institution.