The Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) team from Sikkim successfully completed a learning tour in Assam as part of the RBI’s Financial Literacy Programme, aimed at enhancing financial awareness and inclusion.

The tour provided an opportunity for the Sikkim CFL team to study and adopt best practices in financial education, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. During the visit, the team engaged with local financial literacy centers, banking institutions, and self-help groups, gaining insights into effective financial awareness strategies.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-led programme focuses on educating communities about banking services, digital payments, financial planning, and fraud prevention, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions.

Officials emphasized that the knowledge gained from this tour would be instrumental in strengthening financial literacy initiatives in Sikkim, ensuring better financial accessibility and awareness among its residents.

The CFL team’s participation in this initiative reflects Sikkim’s commitment to financial empowerment, aligning with national efforts to promote financial inclusion and economic stability.

A team of Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) workers from Sikkim successfully completed a six-day exposure visit to Assam from March 23 to March 28 as part of the RBI-led Financial Literacy Programme. The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Crisil Foundation, with financial support from NABARD.

The 23-member delegation included 18 CFL workers from six Face-2 CFLs in Sikkim, along with MIS Officer Ganesh Chettri and two Community-Based Organizers (CBOs), Dhan Kumari Rai and Passang Tshering Bhutia.

Key Engagements and Learnings

During the visit, the team participated in interactive discussions with senior officials, including Project Director Amita Abichandani, Zonal Head Dulen Boruah, and representatives from Crisil Foundation. The discussions centered on evaluating financial literacy progress in Sikkim and exploring innovative strategies for future implementation.

The team also visited CFL Centres in Central and Upper Assam, where they exchanged best practices with their counterparts. A key highlight of the tour was the Mein Pragati project, which has been running in Majuli, Assam, since 2019. Encouraged by its success, efforts are now underway to expand the project to various districts in Sikkim, particularly targeting economically disadvantaged communities.

Cultural and Economic Insights

Beyond their official engagements, the team explored local handicraft industries and tourist destinations in Assam, providing them with a deeper understanding of the region’s economic and cultural landscape.

The exposure visit was instrumental in broadening the team’s perspective on financial literacy implementation, equipping them with valuable knowledge to enhance financial awareness and inclusion initiatives in Sikkim.