The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) annual Financial Literacy Week (FLW) began today as part of efforts to propagate financial education.
This year FLW will run to March 1 on the theme ‘Make the Right Start: Become Financially Smart’, which emphasises on ‘Saving and Power of Compounding’, ‘Banking Essentials for Students’ and ‘Digital and Cyber Hygiene’.
FLW 2024 was inaugurated today by Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, along with Olden Nongpluh, GM (O-i-C), RBI Shillong.
The inaugural programme was also attended by Prabhudatta Sahoo, GM (O-i-C) NABARD, Ashish Yadav, Chairperson of MRB; Amit Kumar, DGM of SBI, Osmand Nongbri, MD of MCAB as well as other government officials and bankers from the state.
The inaugural event marked the commencement of a week-long celebration dedicated to enhancing financial awareness among the public. During the event, financial awareness-related content in the form of posters and audio visuals were unveiled.
Addressing the gathering, Nongpluh highlighted that the foundation of sound financial behaviour rests on planning of finances, preparing personal budgets, which enables better financial decisions and prepares for unforeseen contingencies and emergencies. He also shed light on the importance of maintaining digital hygiene to prevent scams, frauds, etc.
Wahlang appreciated the initiative of the RBI in promoting financial literacy in Meghalaya and urged the bankers to increase the reach of banking to the remote areas of the state. He also highlighted the measures undertaken by the state government for promoting financial literacy.
As part of the FLW, RBI Shillong organised a painting competition for college and school students. The winners of the competition were also felicitated during the function. Further, in order to have innovative ways for propagating financial literacy, a skit competition on financial literacy was also conducted for college students. RBI representatives also made a presentation apprising the audience about the various initiatives taken by RBI Shillong in furthering financial awareness.
RBI Shillong has planned to conduct extensive financial literacy camps across all 12 districts of Meghalaya during the week and its messages will also be displayed at various bank branches, ATMs, bank premises, etc.