Ahmedabad: Bajaj Finance Ltd., India’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), and a part of Bajaj Finserv, organized its financial literacy programme, “Arthsutra Samvad”, across three locations in Gujarat – Kanbha Gram Panchayat, Bhavda Gram Panchayat and the Bakrol Bujrang Gram Panchayat Office at Daskroi taluka in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
As part of its nationwide financial literacy programme, Bajaj Finance conducted this on-ground initiative to propagate 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 sessions at the Gram Panchayats, 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 cyber fraud incidents by calling the national cybercrime helpline number 1930.
The programme at the Bakrol Bujrang Gram Panchayat Office was graced by Mr. Vijay M. Namsa, Police Sub-Inspector, Kanbha Police Station, Ahmedabad, along with Mr. Pruthvisinh Chauhan, Sarpanch, Bakrol Bujrang Gram Panchayat and Mr. Nileshkumar Patel, Principal, GLS High School, Bakrol in the presence of a large number of village residents.
Addressing the critical need for digital vigilance during the financial literacy programme organized by Bajaj Finance Ltd., Mr. Vijay M. Namsa, Police Sub-Inspector, Kanbha Police Station, Ahmedabad delivered an insightful session on modern cyber fraud tactics. He outlined the sophisticated methods scammers use to track and trap unsuspecting individuals, emphasizing the vital importance of the “golden hour,” the first two hours following a cyber fraud incident.
Mr. Namsa strongly advised attendees to immediately report any financial fraud to the national helpline number 1930 within this critical window. Furthermore, He urged the responsible use of smartphones, specifically cautioning the audience against emerging threats such as digital arrest scams, fraudulent WhatsApp investment groups, malicious APK files, and unverified links.
A similar financial literacy programme was also conducted at the Kanbha and Bhavda Gram Panchayat Offices, Daskroi, Ahmedabad. Distinguished guests, including Ms. Ashaben Chaudhary, PC, Kanbha Police Station, Ahmedabad, Ms. Baluben Thakor, Sarpanch, Kanbha Gram Panchayat; Mr. Dharmendra Patel, Principal, Sarvajanik High School; Mr. Anirudh Bihola, Sarpanch, Bhavda Gram Panchayat; Sunil Pival, TRB Jawan, Daskroi Taluka, Ahmedabad and Ms. Bhartiben Patel, Principal Bhavda Primary School, addressed the gathering. They 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.
Mr. Anirudh Bihola, Sarpanch, Bhavda Gram Panchayat, said, “Financial literacy is not just about understanding money; it is about building trust in your financial future. Whether it is a small loan or a major business investment, timely repayment shapes your credit history and opens doors to greater opportunities in life.”
He also expressed her gratitude for such awareness initiatives aimed at empowering rural communities.
‘Arthsutra Samvad’ 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.