The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) inaugurated the Five-Day Financial Literacy Week (FLW) under the theme ‘Financial Literacy – Women’s Prosperity’ at a local hotel in Gangtok today. The initiative, which runs from February 24 to 28, 2025, marks the 10th edition of the annual campaign aimed at enhancing financial awareness among the public.
Since 2016, RBI has been observing Financial Literacy Week with a focus on key financial topics targeted at specific population segments. This year’s theme underscores the importance of financial literacy in empowering women, enabling them to make informed financial decisions, plan for their future, and access financial services confidently. The initiative aims to educate individuals about their rights as consumers of financial products and services while highlighting the evolving financial landscape and associated risks.
The event was graced by Mr. T Jamang, Regional Director, RBI, along with Ms. Normit Lepcha, Principal Director-cum-Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, who attended as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Ms. Annapurna Alley, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department; Mr. G Ravishankar, General Manager, RBI; Mr. Mahendra Pradhan, Director, Finance Department; Mr. Ajay Kumar Sinha, General Manager, NABARD; and Ms. Radha Pradhan, CEO, State Rural Livelihood Mission/Rural Development Department. The event also saw the participation of students from Padma Odzer Choeling Secondary School and local bankers.
Ms. Normit Lepcha, in her address, stressed the importance of involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to extend the reach of financial literacy programs to grassroots levels. She also emphasized the need for follow-up initiatives to assess their effectiveness and suggested integrating financial literacy into school curriculums to build awareness from an early age.
Mr. T Jamang highlighted RBI’s commitment to financial literacy and the necessity of a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to maximize outreach. He elaborated on the theme and reiterated the importance of embedding financial literacy education in schools.
Mr. G Ravishankar provided an overview of Financial Literacy Week, its significance, and the various banking schemes available to the public. He also discussed the importance of safe banking practices and the rising cases of banking fraud.
Mr. Ajay Kumar Sinha emphasized the role of SHGs in promoting banking awareness and highlighted NABARD’s financial support schemes, expressing hope that such initiatives would benefit rural communities.
Mr. Mahendra Pradhan spoke about the power of compounding and its crucial role in long-term financial planning, reinforcing the need for financial literacy in personal wealth management.
As part of the initiative, RBI donated computers and printers to Padma Odzer Choeling Secondary School. The chief guest and other dignitaries unveiled financial literacy materials, followed by the felicitation of sports event winners and local bankers. A screening of financial literacy videos and a Nukkad Natak performance further engaged attendees in understanding the importance of financial education.
Earlier in the day, a walkathon and sports event were held at Khel Gaon, Resithang, with enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and local bankers.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Subash Luyagun, Manager, RBI Gangtok.
With initiatives like Financial Literacy Week, RBI continues its mission to enhance financial awareness and inclusion, ensuring that individuals and communities are better equipped to manage their finances responsibly.
