opportunities. better coordination can enhance the efficacy of financial inclusion initiatives and ensure that benefits trickle down to the grassroots level, thereby supporting the broader goal of inclusive growth. ( ii ) proper planning my second point is about adopting a scientific approach to the preparation of annual credit plans. this is crucial. slbcs should undertake detailed analyses to identify the root causes of the lack of growth in credit seen in certain jurisdictions. this involves using data analytics and field surveys to understand regional economic activities, local credit needs, and barriers to credit access. by pinpointing specific issues, whether they 2 / 5 bis - central bankers'speeches are related to infrastructure, borrower awareness, or banking processes, slbcs can develop more targeted and effective credit plans. this approach will not only enhance credit flow but also ensure that it reaches the sectors and regions that need it the most, thereby supporting sustainable economic development. regular monitoring and evaluation should be integral to this planning process. by setting clear benchmarks and performance indicators, slbcs can track progress and make necessary adjustments to their strategies. this iterative approach ensures that credit plans remain dynamic and responsive to changing economic conditions and local needs. ( iii ) leveraging technology thirdly, leveraging technology can be a game - changer in enhancing financial inclusion and credit delivery. slbcs should promote the use of fintech solutions to streamline banking operations and improve customer service. technologies such as mobile banking, tech driven customer support, and digital loan processing have significantly reduced turnaround times and increased accessibility. additionally, deploying advanced data analytics can help in better risk assessment and credit scoring, thus facilitating more informed lending decisions. embracing technological innovations will improve the efficiency of banking services, extend their reach to remote and underserved areas and make them affordable. digital loan processing platforms have revolutionised the way credit is being disbursed. these platforms have automated the entire loan application and approval process, making it faster and more efficient. by utilising machine learning algorithms, these platforms can assess the creditworthiness of applicants more accurately and fairly, ensuring that credit is extended to those who truly need it. this can be particularly impactful for both agri - loans as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises ( msmes ), which often face hurdles in accessing timely and adequate credit. the public tech platform for frictionless credit by the rbi innovation hub is one of the initiatives in this direction. it has an open architecture, open application programming interfaces (

unique financial behaviours, needs, and challenges of different communities and designing educational content that resonates with them. for instance, in agricultural regions, financial literacy programs could focus on digital tools for agricultural financing, crop insurance, and efficient market linkages. by customising the approach to fit the local context, slbcs can ensure that financial literacy initiatives are not only informative but also engaging and actionable. rbi @ 100 goals as we celebrate 90 years of the establishment of the reserve bank of india this year, we have also outlined our aspirational goals for rbi's centenary, referred to as rbi @ 100. among these goals are deepening financial inclusion and expanding credit availability. deepening financial inclusion is not merely about increasing the number of bank accounts but about ensuring that every individual has access to a comprehensive range of financial services tailored to their needs. this includes savings, credit, insurance, and investment products that can enhance their economic well - being. expanding credit availability, particularly to underserved sectors such as micro, small and medium enterprises ( msmes ), agriculture, and marginalised communities, is crucial for fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. while these may appear as part of rbi @ 100 objectives, they are, in fact, the goals of every stakeholder in the financial ecosystem aligned with national interest. achieving these aspirations requires a collective effort involving government agencies, nongovernmental organisations, financial institutions, and the banking community. the role of slbcs in this journey is pivotal, as they are the linchpin connecting various stakeholders and ensuring that the financial system works seamlessly at the grassroots level. i would therefore request your active cooperation and engagement in this mission. 4 / 5 bis - central bankers'speeches conclusion in conclusion, the role of slbcs in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth is both crucial and multifaceted. from enhancing financial literacy to leveraging technology, slbcs can drive significant progress in bridging the gap between financial services and the underserved populations. by focusing on effective coordination with government and ngos, adopting a scientific approach to credit planning, and emphasising digital financial literacy, slbcs can create a more inclusive financial ecosystem. as we move forward, it is essential to monitor and measure the tangible outcomes of our efforts, ensuring that the benefits of financial inclusion reach every corner of our country. by tailoring initiatives to local conditions and needs, and by fostering a culture of financial literacy, we can empower