On 9th November 2016, a delegation of 15 Government of Bangladesh officials visited 4 different places in India on a one week study tour to New Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal and Mumbai. The delegation began their visit from New Delhi. Later the participants split in 2 groups – one group went to Jaipur and the other one to Bhopal. The groups met at Mumbai.

A courtesy meeting with the UNDP Country Director and the Management Team was arranged at New Delhi. Later, an overview of social protection schemes in India was given. That was followed by overviews on financial inclusion of:

1) Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, Stand up India Scheme

2)  Atal Pension Yojana

3)  Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

4)  Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Scheme (NRLM)

5)  National Pension System.

There was also a field trip where the delegation met the Chairperson and his team in the Pension Fun Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, overviews were given on different programmes that included UNDP’s Social Protection Programmes in MP, including electronic vaccine intelligence network (e-VIN); financial inclusion initiatives; innovations for the communities under NRLM programme; role of the State Planning Commission and decentralized planning in Madhya Pradesh; Jan Abhiyan Prishad initiative in social mobilization and community empowerment.

The delegation also had opportunities to visit the ‘Bhamasah Yojna’ scheme of the Rajasthan state government to build financial inclusion for empowerment of women. The team also visited a Community Health Clinic at Amre, Swastha Shakhi and the electronic vaccine logistics system called ‘e-VIN.’ The team also visited Chief Minister’s Office in Mumbai where the delegation saw the online lodging and monitoring system (Aple Sarker) of public grievances, Women Empowerment Scheme, Financial Inclusion fund, Financial inclusion technology and rural financial institutions programme, India Innovation Grant Programme and creation of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.