RBI Shillong launches Financial Literacy Week 2025 with focus on women’s prosperity

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 25, 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shillong, organised the inaugural event of Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2025 on February 24, at Hotel Vivanta, Shillong. FLW is being celebrated from February 24-28, under the theme “Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity”, underscoring the critical role of financial empowerment in enabling women to achieve economic independence and prosperity.

The inaugural event was graced by esteemed guests, including Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, DGP, Meghalaya Police, as the Chief Guest, along with Ramakrishna Chitturi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Finance Department. The event was also attended by the DGM NABARD, MD Meghalaya Cooperative Bank, AGM State Bank of India, and senior officials from various banks operating in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Olden Nongpluh, General Manager & Officer in Charge, RBI Shillong, emphasized that financial literacy is not just about managing money; it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. This year, RBI is particularly focused on women, as their financial empowerment has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the economy at large.

Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, DGP, Meghalaya Police, in her keynote address, appreciated the efforts of RBI in furthering financial literacy in the state. She emphasized the importance of imparting financial literacy to women, as empowering women leads to empowering an entire generation. She also encouraged banks to improve the implementation of various schemes and scale up financial awareness among rural households.

Ramakrishna Chitturi, Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Meghalaya, in his address, highlighted the importance of providing a comprehensive range of financial services, including basic insurance and pension products, in addition to having a basic savings account. He stressed the significance of Self-Help Groups in empowering women through a community-based lending mechanism. He also urged banks to strengthen the BC network and take necessary measures to reach out to the rural population in distant areas.

To make financial literacy more engaging and accessible to the younger generation, RBI Shillong organized various competitions, including a poster-making competition and a reels/short videos competition for students. The event was held as a precursor to Financial Literacy Week 2025, and the winners were felicitated during the event.

Further, RBI Shillong, in collaboration with local banks and stakeholders, will organize a series of awareness programs and outreach activities across all blocks of the state. These initiatives are designed to equip women with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions, plan for their futures, and safeguard their financial well-being.