THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has kicked off Financial Literacy Week 2026,
reaffirming its decade-long commitment to building a financially aware and
empowered citizenry. Being observed from February 9 to February 13, this
eleventh edition of the nationwide campaign continues RBI’s initiative,
launched in 2016, to deepen public understanding of banking and financial
systems.
This year’s Financial Literacy Week is anchored around the theme “KYC –
First Step towards Safe Banking”, underscoring the growing importance of secure
and transparent financial practices in an increasingly digital economy. The
campaign focuses on critical sub-themes such as the basics of Know Your
Customer norms, the Central KYC Registry (CKYC), and the importance of account
hygiene and financial discipline. To amplify its outreach, the RBI is leveraging
television, radio and social media platforms to spread key messages on
responsible banking and consumer protection.
The Bhubaneswar chapter of Financial Literacy Week 2026 was inaugurated
on Monday by the Reserve Bank of India, Bhubaneswar. Delivering the keynote
address, Dr. Sarada Prasan Mohanty, Regional Director, RBI Bhubaneswar,
stressed that financial literacy is no longer optional but essential for all
sections of society. He highlighted the need for customers to regularly update
their KYC details in bank deposit accounts, noting that timely compliance plays
a crucial role in preventing fraud and ensuring seamless, secure banking
transactions.
The inaugural event was graced by Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, Principal
Secretary, Finance Department, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest. Senior
dignitaries including Vinod Kumar Arya, Chief General Manager, NABARD, and Anita
Patnaik, General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, were also present, reflecting
strong institutional collaboration in promoting financial awareness.
The programme saw wide participation from the Banking Ombudsman, officials from the Finance Department of the Government of Odisha, and senior officers from RBI, NABARD, SIDBI and NHB. Controlling heads of various banks and representatives from diverse target groups such as self-help groups, students, farmers, entrepreneurs and senior citizens attended the event, highlighting the inclusive reach of the initiative.
Adding a creative touch to the awareness drive, a street play performed by the staff of RBI Bhubaneswar drew attention to the practical aspects of financial literacy. Through engaging storytelling, the performance reinforced the core messages of KYC compliance, account discipline and safe banking practices, leaving a strong impression on the audience.
