Financial literacy awareness among Self-Help Group (SHG) members received focused attention with the conduct of a workshop at the CMTC building of the Block Development Office, Ferrargunj, under the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission (ANIRLM). The programme aimed to strengthen financial understanding and encourage responsible financial practices among SHG members of the Ferrargunj block.
The workshop brought together experts from the Financial & Tax Literacy Directorate of ICAI along with chartered accountants who delivered sessions on essential aspects of financial management. Jyoti Singh, Secretary to the Financial & Tax Literacy Directorate, ICAI, Mahima, Content Writer at the directorate, and chartered accountants Kuldeep Kothari and Ankit Maheshwari shared insights during the programme. The resource persons interacted with participants, provided practical guidance, and responded to queries related to financial planning, compliance, and safety.
The sessions emphasised prudent financial behaviour and basic financial discipline. Participants were briefed on maintaining financial records, understanding taxation fundamentals, and the importance of timely filing of Income Tax Returns. Awareness was also created about safe digital banking practices, reflecting the growing reliance on online financial transactions.
Attention was drawn to financial security risks, with participants advised to verify information carefully before undertaking transactions and to avoid sharing confidential banking details. The programme also highlighted the need to report suspected financial fraud promptly to banks or concerned authorities, reinforcing preventive awareness among SHG members.
Officials involved in the programme underscored that financial literacy plays a crucial role in strengthening rural livelihoods and enabling informed economic decisions. By equipping SHG members with financial knowledge and safety awareness, the initiative seeks to improve financial decision-making capacity and reduce vulnerability to financial risks.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Lalita Tigga, Block Development Officer, Ferrargunj. The event was attended by SHG members from across the block and was reported to have received positive participation.
Organisers indicated that such initiatives are intended to enhance financial awareness at the grassroots level and promote responsible financial conduct among SHG members. The focus on record-keeping, taxation awareness, and digital banking safety reflects broader efforts to improve financial inclusion and literacy in rural communities.
The programme forms part of ongoing capacity-building efforts under ANIRLM aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of SHG members. Through structured training, practical guidance, and expert interaction, the initiative seeks to support informed financial practices among rural communities in the Ferrargunj block.
