India’s fintech story should be remembered not only as a tale of technology but also as that of gender justice: Prez Murmu

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 6, 2026

India’s fintech story should be remembered not only as a tale of cutting-edge technology but also as a powerful narrative of gender justice, President of India Droupadi Murmu said while gracing the Black Swan Summit, India, organised by the Government of Odisha in collaboration with the Global Finance and Technology Network, in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Addressing policymakers, global experts and industry leaders, the President observed that the world is witnessing an era of unprecedented technological change, where innovation is advancing faster than systems, skills and business models can adapt. “While such rapid progress brings challenges like cybersecurity threats, deepfakes, misinformation and excessive dependence on technology, it also opens immense opportunities for innovation, growth and transformation,” she said, adding that platforms like the Black Swan Summit play a crucial role in exploring ways to leverage technology for skilling, employment generation and accelerating digital and financial transformation.

Highlighting India’s remarkable fintech journey over the past decade, President Murmu said that digital payments and direct benefit transfers have become a part of everyday life for farmers, small shopkeepers and women across the country. “For millions of citizens, fintech is no longer a technical concept; it has become a lifeline,” she remarked.

Emphasising the gender dimension of financial technology, the President said, “India’s fintech story should be remembered not only as a tale of technology but also as that of gender justice.” She underlined that women must be seen not merely as end users but as leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs within the fintech ecosystem. Every new platform, product or policy, she noted, must be evaluated on whether it enables women to become active participants in the digital and financial landscape.

However, President Murmu cautioned that fintech alone does not guarantee inclusion. She pointed out that many citizens, particularly in remote, tribal and rural areas, are still unfamiliar with digital tools. “Skilling is essential to make them participants in the development journey. Only then can fintech truly become an engine of inclusion, employment and entrepreneurship,” she said, urging innovators to ensure that technology serves as a tool for social justice.

The President also flagged concerns over the misuse of technology for financial frauds and stressed the need for widespread digital and financial literacy. Referring to initiatives such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, she said awareness and vigilance are key to preventing fraud. She further advocated for the inclusion of digital literacy in school curricula so that young people understand both the advantages and risks of technology early on.

Commending Odisha’s efforts, President Murmu said investments in skill development, global capability centres and innovation capacity are investments in human capital. She welcomed the state government’s BharatNetra initiative aimed at building a future-ready workforce in digital, financial and insurance technology sectors. Appreciating the Government of Odisha and the Global Finance and Technology Network for co-organising the Black Swan Summit, she expressed confidence that the collaborations emerging from the summit would have a transformative impact on Odisha, India and the global fintech ecosystem.