**Summary of Ministry of Finance Release: Financial Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities**
On March 17, 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance issued an advisory to all Public Sector Banks, Insurance Companies, and other financial institutions. The primary objective is to create an inclusive and accessible environment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and ensure their equitable access to financial services.
**Key Directives and Implementation Strategies:**
* **Communication Standards:** Institutions are directed to facilitate communication with individuals having hearing and speech impairments through the use of Indian Sign Language (ISL).
* **Technological Integration:** The DFS encourages the adoption of technology-enabled communication tools, specifically highlighting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
* **Resource Utilization:** Organizations are advised to utilize sign language interpretation services provided by volunteers from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that cater to the special needs of PwDs.
* **Capacity Building:** Emphasis has been placed on the sensitization and training of frontline staff to ensure they can adequately assist customers who communicate through sign language.
**Release Metadata:**
* **Source:** PIB Delhi
* **Posted Date:** 17 MAR 2026, 4:54 PM
* **Release ID:** 2241272
* **Visitor Counter:** 212
* **Multilingual Availability:** The release is available in Urdu, Hindi, and Marathi.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Financial Services (DFS): The department under the Ministry of Finance that issued the advisory to financial institutions to facilitate accessible communication for persons with disabilities.
Indian Sign Language (ISL): The mandated tool for communication and interpretation to be used by financial institutions to assist persons with hearing and speech impairments.
Public Sector Banks and Insurance Companies: The primary financial entities directed to implement technology-enabled communication tools and sign language interpretation for inclusive services.
Ministry of Finance
Financial Inclusion of the Persons with
Disabilities
Posted On: 17 MAR 2026 4:54PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has advised all Public Sector Banks, Insurance Companies
and other financial institutions to facilitate communication with persons with hearing and speech
impairments through the use of Indian Sign Language (ISL). This is in order to create an inclusive and
accessible environment for Persons with disabilities (PwDs) and to ensure access to the financial services
offered by these institutions.
Towards this end, organizations have been asked to use technology-enabled communication tools
including Artificial Intelligence and to utilize the services of Volunteers from Civil Society Organizations
catering to the special needs of the PwDs including Sign Language Interpretation, whenever required.
DFS has also emphasized for sensitization and training of frontline staff to assist customers wishing to
communicate through sign language.
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(Release ID: 2241272) Visitor Counter : 212
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Marathi