As part of the G20 Jan Bhagidaari Events, a Financial Literacy programme for Tea Garden workers was conducted at Kothagiri, Nilgiris District in collaboration with Tea Board, Zonal Office, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Coonoor. Around 120 Tea Growers, Tea Garden workers, SHG members and traders attended the event. The event was chaired by Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Chennai. Member, Tea Board, Additional Director and senior officials from Tea Board, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Lead District Manager (LDM), Nilgiris District and senior bankers attended the event.
At the outset, the importance of the G20 forum in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance was highlighted, and India’s role in the promotion of our theme - "One Earth, One Family, One Future" was discussed.
During the inaugural address, the Regional Director mentioned the various initiatives taken by Reserve Bank to extend financial services to unbanked population. She advised the audience to exercise caution while using the digital financial services and encouraged the women to form Self Help Groups (SHG). Banks have extended loan sanction letters to SHG members during the event. Grievances raised by the tea growers were noted and the Regional Director advised the banks to extend kisan credit card to all the eligible farmers.
Importance of saving and borrowing from regulated financial entities were emphasised. Sessions covering digital financial products, security features of banknotes and note refund rules were discussed.
G20 merchandise kits (caps, T-shirts, Jute Bags) and informative pamphlets were distributed to the participants.