Guwahati, Dec 18: The 4th North Eastern Financial Inclusion Conclave, themed ‘Microfinance: Enabling Viksit North-East and Viksit Bharat’, was organised today by Sa-Dhan—India’s first Self-Regulatory Organisation for microfinance and impact finance institutions—in collaboration with North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi). The event was held at NEDFi House, Guwahati.

The conclave brought together representatives from leading organisations, development experts, financial institutions, and senior dignitaries from across the region to examine the status and potential of microfinance and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in North East India, with a focus on sustainable growth and deeper financial inclusion.

The inaugural session honoured distinguished guests, including Jiji Mammen, CEO and Executive Director, Sa-Dhan, PVSLN Murty, Chairman and Managing Director, NEDFI,Sherry Lalthangzo, Economic Adviser, North Eastern Council (NEC), Rupam Goswami, Chairman, Assam Finance Corporation (AFC) and Neerja, Managing Director, NABFINs.

The dignitaries were felicitated by Smti Rupali Kalita from Sa-Dhan.

In his welcome address, Mammen emphasised the crucial role of financial inclusion in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, particularly for underserved and remote communities in the North East.

Murty highlighted the importance of affordable capital and cost of funds for the growth of MFIs and urged banking institutions to design long-term schemes to support the sector. He stressed the need for smooth loan recovery mechanisms, pointing to Mizoram as an example of strong repayment performance in the region.

Goswami underscored the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing platforms such as seminars and conclaves in driving innovation and sustainable growth.

Lalthangzo encouraged MFIs to deepen their reach, noting that true impact lies beyond capital cities: “Meghalaya is not just Shillong, Mizoram is not just Aizawl, and Manipur is not just Imphal.”

NABFINs Managing Director, Neerja, spoke on the importance of passion and purpose in advancing financial inclusion in challenging geographies.

Experts from finance, rural development, agriculture, MSMEs, and social sector organisations shared perspectives on policy innovation, institutional strengthening, and grassroots implementation models to accelerate socio-economic progress in the region.

The discussions underscored the need for stronger collaboration among government bodies, financial institutions, and community organisations to improve last-mile delivery and ensure measurable impact. Speakers also stressed the importance of empowering women and youth, supporting local entrepreneurship, and fostering resilient rural economies.

The conclave concluded with a valedictory address by Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD, followed by a vote of thanks from Saibul Paul, Sa-Dhan, who reiterated the importance of sustained dialogue and coordinated action to translate ideas into outcomes across the North Eastern states.

The North Eastern Financial Inclusion Conclave served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and collective commitment toward inclusive development and a strengthened microfinance ecosystem in the region.

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