The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shillong, organised the inaugural event of the Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2025 on February 24, 2025 at Hotel Vivanta, Shillong. The FLW is being celebrated from February 24-28, 2025 under the theme, “Financial Literacy: Women’s Prosperity”, which underscores the critical role of financial empowerment in enabling women to achieve economic independence and prosperity. The inaugural event was graced by esteemed guests, including Smti. IdashishaNongrang, IPS, DGP, Meghalaya Police, as the Chief Guest along with Shri Shri. Ramakrishna Chitturi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Finance Department. The event was also attended by 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, Shri 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, RBIis particularly focused on women, as their financial empowerment has a ripple effect on families, communities, and the economy at large.
Smti. IdashishaNongrang, IPS, DGP, Meghalaya Police in her keynote address appreciated the efforts of RBI in furthering Financial Literacy in the state. She emphasized on the importance of imparting Financial Literacy among the women as empowering women will result in empowering an entire generation. She also encouraged banks to improve the implementation of various schemes and scale up the financial awareness among the rural households.
Shri. Ramakrishna Chitturi, Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Meghalaya in his address highlighted the importance of providing a whole bouquet of financial services including basic insurance, pension products in addition of having a basic savings account. He highlighted the importance of Self Help Groups in empoweringthe women through a community based mechanism of lending. He also urged upon the banks to strengthen the BC network and undertake necessary measures to reach out to the rural population in the distant areas.
In a bid to make Financial Literacy more engaging and accessible to the younger generation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Shillong organized various competitions including Poster making competition and Reels/Short Videos making competition for students. The event was organized as precursor to Financial Literacy Week 2025 and the winners of the event were also 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 the 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.