In a major push for financial empowerment, the Yogi Adityanath government has set a target to equip 1.25 lakh girls in council schools with essential financial literacy skills by December 31.

The initiative seeks to empower young girls with critical financial knowledge and management skills, helping them become self-reliant and financially savvy.

Under Mission Shakti, the state government aims to provide financial education to 80,000 girls in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), 35,000 girls in PM SHRI scheme schools, and 10,000 girls in other upper primary schools.

With technical support from UNICEF, this initiative will educate girls on savings, banking, digital payments, insurance and other financial topics, empowering them to become economically self-sufficient.

To enhance the effectiveness of the campaign, an orientation programme for 2,200 teachers was completed on October 28 with support from UNICEF. Additionally, there are plans to complete the training of 3,000 nodal teachers by November 30. They will subsequently train the girls in financial literacy.

In this training programme, girls will be taught various financial concepts, money management, digital payments, insurance and risk management, currency identification, and ways to protect against financial fraud. Additionally, they will be introduced to future employment opportunities as part of career awareness.

After the completion of the training, the girls will be given certificates, which will certify their skills and increase their confidence.

Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh said that this campaign was an important step towards economically empowering girls and their financial independence. He said efforts were underway to complete the training by December 31.

BOX

What girls will learn

1 They will be taught ways to moderate future needs by managing expenses according to the family’s total income. Practical activities will provide them with real-life tasks.

2 Methods to reduce unnecessary expenses and increase savings will be taught.

3 Skills to plan savings from income will be taught so that sufficient funds can be gathered for large expenses.

4. Opening a bank account, understanding banking services and the importance of saving for emergencies will be explained. They will receive information on cheque books, ATM cards, interest, fixed deposits and recurring deposits.

5 Girls will gain practical experience through stories, activities and bank visits.