Sikkim: RBI organises five-day Financial Literacy Week in Gangtok
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the need for financial literacy, including understanding risks and rewards, remains more crucial than ever.
LOCAL
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) inaugurated the five-day Financial Awareness Week under the theme 'Financial Literacy - Women’s Prosperity' at a local hotel in Gangtok today. The event marks the 10th edition of Financial Literacy Week (FLW), which has been observed annually since 2016 to enhance financial awareness among targeted segments of the population. FLW 2025 is being observed from February 24 to 28.
The primary objective of FLW is to educate people about key financial topics, empowering them to manage money effectively, plan for the future, and make informed financial decisions. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the need for financial literacy, including understanding risks and rewards, remains more crucial than ever.
The inaugural event was graced by T Jamang, Regional Director of RBI, and Normit Lepcha, Principal Director-cum-Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, as the chief guest. Also present were 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. Students from Padma Odzer Choeling Secondary School and local bankers also participated in the programme.
Speaking at the event, Normit Lepcha underscored the importance of involving Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance outreach at the grassroots level. She stressed the need for follow-up initiatives to evaluate the impact of financial literacy programmes and recommended incorporating financial literacy into school curriculums.
T Jamang highlighted RBI’s commitment to financial education since 2016, emphasising the importance of a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders. He reiterated the need to integrate financial literacy into schools to enhance children's understanding of banking and finance.
In his welcome address, G Ravishankar provided an overview of FLW, explaining its background and significance. He expressed hope that financial literacy initiatives would reach the grassroots level and discussed various banking schemes, the importance of safe banking practices, and the need for awareness about rising banking fraud cases.
NABARD General Manager, Ajay Kumar Sinha, highlighted the role of SHGs in promoting banking awareness and discussed various financial support schemes offered by NABARD. Mr. Mahendra Pradhan elaborated on the power of compounding and its crucial role in long-term financial planning.
As part of its outreach efforts, the RBI donated computers and printers to the school. The event also featured the unveiling of financial literacy materials by dignitaries, felicitation of sports event winners and bankers, screening of financial literacy awareness videos, and a Nukkad Natak performance on financial literacy.
Earlier in the day, a walkathon and sports event took place near Khel Gaon, Resithang, with enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and local bankers.