Bajaj Finance Empowers Rural Odisha with Financial Literacy and Cyber Fraud Awareness
By Tapaswini Sahoo
Odisha, Sep 22: Bajaj Finance Ltd., India’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a part of Bajaj Finserv, organized its financial literacy programme, titled ArthsutraSamvad, at theP.P. College, Nischintakoili and the Kendupatana Gram Panchayat Office in Kataka district, Odisha.
As part of its nationwide financial literacy programme, Bajaj Finance conducted this on-ground initiative to advance financial inclusion in rural India. Aligned with the Reserve Bank of India’s financial literacy initiative, the programme educated participants on prudent financial practices, effective money management, digital safety, and safeguarding themselves against financial fraud.
During the campaign, Bajaj Finance representatives educated local residents on the importance of savings, budgeting, responsible borrowing, timely loan repayments, and safe digital financial practices. Participants were also advised to remain vigilant against cyber fraud, fake investment schemes, suspicious links, malicious APK files, WhatsApp scams, and digital arrest frauds. They were encouraged to promptly report any cybercrime incidents by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
The noon session at P.P. College, Nischintakoili, witnessed the presence of Dr. Tarulata Devi, Principal of P.P. Collegeand Mr Biswajit Mohanty, Sub Inspector of Nischintakoili Police Station and Professor Padmalochan Rait, HOD- Dept of Economics. During the financial literacy programme organized by Bajaj Finance Ltd., the distinguished guests highlighted the growing threat of cyber fraud and underscored the importance of digital vigilance, safe financial practices, and informed decision-making.
Emphasizing the importance of financial awareness among young people, Dr. Tarulata Devi, Principal of P.P. College, said that students are the torchbearers of society. She highlighted that learning the basics of savings, budgeting, and money management at an early age can help them make informed financial decisions and build a secure future.
Alerting the audience to emerging threats such as digital arrest scams, fraudulent WhatsApp investment groups, malicious APK files, and unverified links,Odisha Police advised attendees to immediately report any financial fraud to the national helpline number 1930 within the critical first two hours of the incident.
A similar financial literacy programme was also conducted later in the afternoon at Kendupatana Gram Panchayat, Nischintakoili. The programme was attended by distinguished guests Ms. Pragatiprava Mohanty, Sarpanch, Kendupatana G.Pand Ms. Anuprava Routray, Executive Officer, Nischintakoili Block, who addressed the gathering. Women from more than 50 self help groups participated in the session.
The speakers highlighted how budgeting can improve quality of life and help secure the future, explained the role of insurance in providing financial protection during times of need, and cautioned villagers against various forms of cyber fraud.
Ms. Pragatiprava Mohanty, Sarpanch, Kendupatana Gram Panchayat, said, ” Financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed choices, manage resources wisely, and secure their future. When people understand finances, they gain the confidence to pursue opportunities and build stronger, more resilient communities.”
She also expressed her gratitude for such awareness initiatives aimed at empowering rural communities.
‘ArthsutraSamvad’ is Bajaj Finance’s flagship financial literacy initiative that aims to empower individuals with practical financial knowledge and encourage informed financial decision-making through community-based awareness programmes across rural India.
