NCFE

Nikki is a young woman from Bahedeki, a remote village in Saharanpur district's Baliakheri Block in Uttar Pradesh. She took part in a financial education workshop organised recently by National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), which was, in her own words, a life-changing experience.

"I learned the importance of budgeting, savings and planned investment. I also realised my family members and I must be insured to protect ourselves financially against any unforeseen event," she said.

The workshop encouraged Nikki to subscribe to Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), which are the flagship insurance schemes of the Government of India (Gol).

"Enrolling for PMSBY and PMJJBY was cost effective and hassle-free. I am now willing to go for another set of life and health insurances with a higher sum assured and better features to ensure greater financial stability," she added.

The knowledge gained in the workshop on long-term planning changed Nikki's perspective towards life and money, and enthused her to open an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) account for her husband and herself. Notably, APY is a pension scheme run by Gol, primarily for the unorganised sector.

"I am now convinced that financial literacy is an essential life skill that everyone should ßMsess. Hence, I am trying to disseminate the knowledge I gained in the workshop to as many people as possible," she said with a glimpse of satisfaction on her face.

Ever since Nikki attended the workshop, she has been motivating people to avail the benefits of various government-sponsored schemes. Moreover, she is educating villagers not to get lured by ponzi schemes. "I am thankful to NCFE for organising this workshop in our place, which helped me view my life differently, optimistically," she concluded.