GORAI, DECEMBER 2, 2010: With the motto of spreading Financial & Social Inclusion (FNS) to as many poor as possible Don Bosco Research centre, Matunga had organized a workshop on November 30 with the NGOs working with the fisher community in Gorai, Borivali (West).
The community consists of around three thousand population who is mainly involved with fishing trade traditionally, who never practiced any saving behavior or are aware of many services/ schemes available from government of India. So, the FNS schemes and instruments like zero balance bank accounts (near their door steps) and PAN card as to get identity were discussed as best suitable for this group. The application procedure of each of the schemes have been demonstrated and explained to the NGOs willing to get involved with the project to help poor. Organizations such as Daughters of the Cross, Montfort Brothers and many others that carry community work in the area showed interest in getting these schemes and services available for poor in this community.
A practical demonstration of the PAN Card Application form was also done in the meeting. The workshop concluded with a question-answer round and discussion about ground realities and experience working on the project so far with various marginalized groups