A mass awareness programme on Financial Literacy and Inclusion was held at the Shaitan Singh Memorial Auditorium Hall, Kharu, on November 9. The event was organised by the Lead District Manager (LDM) Office, Leh, in collaboration with the SDM Office Kharu, various banks, and the Crisil Foundation.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from community members across several villages under the Kharu Subdivision, including Nambardars, PRI members, officials from various line departments, and representatives from banks such as J&K Bank, PNB, SBI, along with Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) staff.

At the outset, Stanzin Dolkar, Lead District Manager, Leh, welcomed the participants and officials from civil departments and banks. She briefed the gathering on the objective of the programme — to educate the public about financial services, digital banking, and welfare schemes offered by financial institutions and government departments.

Participants were sensitized on a range of topics including social security schemes, basic banking concepts, digital payment systems, cyber fraud prevention, self-employment schemes, PMEGP, KCC, MUDRA loans, insurance, and the Banking Ombudsman mechanism.

LDM Dolkar also emphasized the importance of KYC documentation and informed attendees about the ongoing campaign for unclaimed deposits under the DEA Fund.

Phuntsok Angchuk, Manager, SBI Kharu, delivered a detailed presentation on credit facilities provided under priority and non-priority sectors, with special emphasis on KCC loans and the benefits of timely repayment.

Padma Ladol from PNB Bank highlighted various social security schemes, pension plans, and insurance programmes, elaborating on enrollment processes for PMSBY, PMJJBY, and APY. She stressed the importance of nomination to ensure that beneficiaries receive their entitled benefits.

A video presentation was also screened, showcasing the importance of insurance coverage, social security schemes, digital fraud prevention, and awareness regarding unclaimed deposits.

Kifayat Hussain, Manager, CFL Project (Crisil Foundation), made a detailed presentation on the Banking Ombudsman system and cyber fraud prevention. He underlined the growing relevance of financial literacy in today’s digital age and urged participants to stay vigilant against online fraud while adopting secure financial practices.

BDO Kharu, Kunzang Dolma, and Naib Tehsildar, Mohd Rahulla, in their keynote addresses, appreciated the initiative and emphasized the importance of such programmes in promoting financial awareness at the grassroots level. They assured full cooperation and support for similar initiatives in the future.

The programme was coordinated by CFL Kharu staff, along with Area Manager Bilal Bhat, with logistical support and venue arrangements facilitated by the SDM Office Kharu, in collaboration with the Indian Army, Kharu Station.

The Crisil Foundation, empanelled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD, and supported by the State Bank of India (SBI), is implementing the Moneywise Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) Project in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Under this initiative, seven CFL offices have been established in Leh district, covering all 16 blocks, under the supervision of the Lead District Manager, Leh.