A day ahead of International Women’s Day 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Kohima organised a one-day Financial Training programme to empower women of Wokha by providing them the knowledge to manage their finances competently. The event was held under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Wokha.
At the event, RBI and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) covered essential topics such as financial awareness messages, complaint redressal mechanisms-RBI integrated ombudsman scheme, Be-Aware Modus Operandi and Precautions to be taken against Fraudulent Transactions and Investor Awareness and Education to the participants with the aim to inform and educate the women about the financial system and how to protect themselves from potential risks and fraudulent activities.
Speaking at the training programme, Paresh Chauhan, the General Manager and Officer-in-charge of RBI Kohima, underscored the necessity of educating individuals for proper financial management, reminding the celebration of RBI’s Digital Payments Awareness Week. He cautioned against risky practices such as using public WiFi for transactions to prevent phishing attempts, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in financial transactions.
Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS, expressed gratitude to RBI for their efforts and stressed the pivotal role of women in driving economic activities. He called for increased support from the banking sector to ensure entrepreneurs, especially women, receive the necessary assistance to thrive and contribute to economic growth in the region.
Thungbeni Ngullie, President of Lotha Eloe Hoho, highlighted challenges faced by the Lotha community in accessing loans despite skill development training. Ngullie urged banks to streamline loan processing procedures and empower the community by employing local personnel for rural banking services.
Anuranjan, a Skill Development Officer, reiterated the importance of providing adequate training and loan facilities to individuals, acknowledging the challenges encountered at banking facilities.
C. Yanthan, Lead District Manager at SBI, highlighted the role of banks in poverty alleviation and entrepreneurship development through various schemes.
Poji, the District Development Manager at NABARD, discussed agricultural and Self Help Group (SHG) related banking schemes, emphasizing their significance in rural development.
Lothunglo Z Ezung, Centre Manager at the Centre for Financial Literacy in Wokha, addressed common issues faced by banking customers in Nagaland.
Furthermore, panel lawyers at Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) focused on gender rights and laws related to women, contributing to a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by women.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by K Samuel Liangousiam, Lead District Officer, RBI Kohima, and concluded with heartfelt thanks delivered by Supongla, Assistant Manager, RBI Kohima, acknowledging the collaborative efforts in promoting financial literacy and inclusion in Wokha.
