While highlighting the theme of the Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2024, Sachin Y Shende, Regional Director of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in his inaugural address emphasised that parents as well as teachers should lay equal stress on financial literacy of students along with other academic subjects. The inaugural function for FLW was held on Monday at Chitnavis Centre in the city. Shende and Sujata Lal, Chief General Manager, RBI, Nagpur; Shobha Madhale, Postmaster General, Nagpur Region; and Rashmi Darad, Chief General Manager, NABARD were present on the occasion. Shende further advocated a holistic concept of financial literacy, wherein savings habit is inculcated in students from an early age, understanding of banking system as a whole is promoted and students are equipped to harness rapid advances in digital banking technologies and protect themselves from cyber frauds / hacking etc. He urged the banks to spread the messages of FLW across the Vidarbha region, and review the qualitative progress made towards financial literacy.

 

RBI observes Financial Literacy Week to promote awareness on key topics every year through a focused campaign. This year, FLW is being observed from February 26 to March 1, on the theme ‘Make a Right Start: Become Financially Smart’, with focus on students and young adults. To mark the commencement of the week, financial literacy posters were unveiled by the dignitaries, in the presence of senior officials of RBI Nagpur office, zonal, regional heads of major banks, Lead District Managers (LDMs), District Development Managers (DDMs), RSETI Directors, and other bank officials from Vidarbha region.

 

Sachin with other dignitaries flagged-off mobile LED vans which would display audio video financial literacy messages in the interior areas of various districts of Vidarbha over the week. After the inaugural function, a day-long ‘Banking Expo’ was also arranged at the venue wherein banks set-up stalls at the venue to showcase their innovative products, with special focus on demonstrable products/ applications for students/ young adults. RBI will also be arranging to distribute around 2 lakh financial literacy booklets across rural households in Vidarbha region, in co-ordination with India Post.