Events The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with SEBI, AMFI and HSRLM, successfully organised a workshop for rural women SHGs on “Viksit Bharat ke path par Saksham Naari” on November 8, 2025, at Sangoha, Karnal, Haryana.
The workshop brought together distinguished experts, regulators, academic leaders, and enthusiastic members of women’s self-help groups to deepen understanding of investor protection, financial behaviour, and economic participation in the digital era. The workshop aligned with India’s vision of enabling women to become confident, informed, and active contributors to a financially resilient and prosperous Viksit Bharat.
The Workshop’s tone was set by the Welcome Address by CEO, Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission (HSRLM), Mr. Suraj Bhan, who highlighted the crucial role of women in shaping India’s economic future. Delivering the Keynote Address, Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO, IEPFA & Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, highlighted that women are the true strength of Viksit Bharat and must be financially aware, digitally skilled, and investment-ready. She emphasised IEPFA’s initiatives like Niveshak Didi and Niveshak Shivir that empower women to save, invest safely, and protect themselves from financial fraud. A panel discussion on the theme followed, moderated by
Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor, NCAER. He emphasised that sustained financial education focusing on behavioural change and trust-building is crucial for inclusive financial participation. He highlighted how women-led SHGs can serve as engines of local investment, entrepreneurship, and empowerment—turning Viksit Bharat from vision into reality. Mr. S. K. Sharma, Senior Consultant, AMFI, discussed how mutual funds and systematic investment habits can help women achieve financial security and independence. Dr. Rahul Raiya, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Assandh, Karnal District, represented the local administration and emphasized the role of local government in collaborating with various Self-Help Groups in enhancing their access to financial services and opportunities.
Mr. Shailendra Nath Jha, Former Deputy General Manager & Deputy Ombudsman, Reserve Bank of India, highlighted the importance of safe banking practices and awareness and robust grievance redressal mechanisms to prevent digital frauds and financial exploitation. Participants actively engaged in discussions focusing on women’s financial empowerment, safe digital practices, and practical strategies for strengthening financial decision-making and entrepreneurship among self-help group members. The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment of all partner institutions to empower women as responsible financial decision-makers and catalysts of inclusive growth.
The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, marking yet another step toward creating financially aware citizens who can confidently participate in India’s evolving financial ecosystem.
