President Murmu calls for inclusive Fintech and gender equity at Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar

President of India Droupadi Murmu on Friday underscored the need to ensure that rapid technological progress serves the goals of social justice, gender equality, and inclusive growth, as she addressed the Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar.

The summit was organised by the Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Global Finance and Technology Network, as part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen innovation and digital capabilities.

Technology Advancing Faster Than Systems Can Adapt

In her address, the President noted that the world is experiencing an era of unprecedented technological acceleration, where innovations are emerging faster than existing systems, skills, and business models can adapt. While acknowledging challenges such as cybersecurity risks, deepfakes, misinformation, and growing dependence on digital systems, she emphasised that technology continues to be a powerful driver of innovation and economic growth.

She said platforms like the Black Swan Summit play a crucial role in identifying new ways to use technology for skill development, job creation, and accelerating digital and financial transformation.

Fintech as a Driver of Everyday Change

Reflecting on India’s progress over the last decade, President Murmu highlighted the transformational shift in the country’s financial ecosystem. She pointed out that direct benefit transfers and digital payment systems have become an integral part of daily life for farmers, small traders, and women across the country.

For millions of Indians, she said, fintech has moved beyond being a technical innovation and has become a critical support system enabling financial access and security.

Gender Justice at the Core of Fintech Growth

The President stressed that India’s fintech journey should be seen not just as a technological success, but also as an important chapter in the pursuit of gender justice. She said women must receive focused attention within the fintech ecosystem and should be recognised not only as users, but also as decision-makers, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

She urged policymakers, developers, and businesses to assess whether new fintech products, platforms, and policies genuinely empower women and enable them to participate actively in the digital and financial landscape.

Bridging the Digital Divide

President Murmu cautioned that technology alone does not automatically lead to inclusion. She observed that many people, particularly in remote, tribal, and rural regions, still lack familiarity with digital tools.

She underlined the importance of skilling and digital education to ensure these communities are not left behind, stating that fintech can drive inclusion, entrepreneurship, and employment only when people are equipped to use it effectively. She called on entrepreneurs and innovators to design solutions that place social justice and inclusion at the centre of technological progress.

Need for Awareness Against Digital Fraud

The President also drew attention to the misuse of technology in financial fraud, noting the need for greater public awareness and vigilance. She highlighted initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to address this challenge, including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, and the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre.

She stressed that digital and financial literacy is essential to prevent online fraud and advocated for its inclusion in school curricula, so that children can understand both the benefits and risks of technology from an early age.

Also Read: United States–India interim trade agreement framework: comprehensive report

BharatNetra and Building Human Capital

President Murmu described skill development, innovation capacity, and global capability centres as long-term investments in human capital. She welcomed the BharatNetra initiative launched by the Government of Odisha, aimed at creating a future-ready workforce and strengthening the digital, financial, and insurance technology ecosystem.

She commended the Government of Odisha and the Global Finance and Technology Network for jointly organising the Black Swan Summit under this initiative and expressed confidence that the ideas and collaborations emerging from the event would have a far-reaching impact on Odisha, India, and the global community.