Bhubaneswar: The Department of Financial Services has reiterated its commitment to promoting accessible and inclusive financial services for all citizens, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), through new accessibility standards for the banking and financial services sector.
The department has issued Accessibility Standards and Guidelines aimed at ensuring equitable access to financial services for PwDs across physical banking infrastructure, digital platforms and phygital service models that combine online and offline systems.
According to officials, the guidelines prescribe standards intended to improve accessibility in banking operations, customer service systems, financial technology platforms and branch-level infrastructure.
The DFS emphasised that accessibility should not be treated merely as a regulatory compliance requirement but as an essential element of customer experience, digital inclusion and equal financial participation.
The initiative is expected to encourage banks and financial institutions to strengthen inclusive service delivery through accessible websites, mobile applications, ATM facilities, branch infrastructure and communication systems designed to support persons with diverse disabilities.
Officials stated that the move aligns with broader efforts by the Government of India to promote financial inclusion, digital accessibility and equal participation in economic systems for all sections of society.
