Bhubaneswar: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a financial literacy week (FLW) in Odisha on Monday to make people aware of different aspects of banking and digital and cyber hygiene.
RBI has been conducting FLW every year since 2016 to propagate financial education messages on relevant themes. The FLW for 2024 is being observed from Monday to March 1. The theme is “Make a Right Start: Become Financially Smart”, with emphasis on “Saving and Power of Compounding”, “Banking Essentials for Students” and “Digital and Cyber Hygiene” which aligns with over-all strategic objectives of the National Strategy for Financial Education: 2020-2025.
RBI will be undertaking a centralised mass media campaign on the messages of the FLW through major television and radio channels.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the FL Week in Bhubaneswar as chief guest, Chief Secretary P K Jena highlighted about how small savings at an early age makes a person financially comfortable at a later stage. He further emphasised on the power of compounding and cyber hygiene.
Regional Director of RBI Bhubaneswar Dr Sarada Prasan Mohanty delivered the keynote address. RBI General Manager Anita Patnaik, welcomed the gathering.
Dinesh Pruthi, CGM, SBI; Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo, GM, NABARD; Goutam Patra, GM & SLBC Convenor, Odisha and Pragyansmita Sahoo, DIF, Finance department of Odisha government were also present.
The inaugural function was also attended by senior officials of RBI, State Government, NABARD, SIDBI, NHB, various banks and college students. The content and ways of spreading financial awareness among the public was discussed in detail at the function.
Further, a Nukkad Natak on financial literacy and awareness was also played at the event highlighting the theme and sub-themes of FLW 2024. Several financial awareness programmes will be conducted throughout the state during the week.