Addressing a two-day PSB Confluence, Sitharaman called for banks to engage with young people aged over 16 before they enter employment. The aim is to help them become comfortable with banking early, instead of leaving them to figure it out when their first salary arrives.

She suggested taking banking services to college campuses, universities and centres offering skills training. Proposed options include Yuva Kiosks and designated Yuva Banking Mitras to guide young customers through opening Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts, without minimum-balance worries or hidden charges.

The youth push could also include vouchers linked to gyms, yoga and mental wellness services. The Indian Banks Association has been asked to develop a dedicated app and website where young users can understand credit scores and explore government-backed borrowing schemes for future business plans.

On farm finance, Sitharaman asked banks to follow the Prime Minister’s Sapt Dhara vision and expand credit for pulses and oilseeds. She linked this effort to reducing reliance on food imports and improving soil health. Banks were also asked to align lending with the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which focuses on selected districts, and develop more accessible farm loan products.