Sustainable Financial Education: Building Informed Investors and Harnessing Youth Power for Viksit Bharat

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 the School of Economics, University of Hyderabad (UoH), successfully organised a workshop on “Sustainable Financial Education: Building Informed Investors and Harnessing Youth Power for Viksit Bharat” on October 27, 2025, at the Savitribai Phule DST Auditorium, University of Hyderabad.

The workshop brought together distinguished experts, regulators, academic leaders, and enthusiastic students to deepen understanding of investor protection, financial behaviour, and digital-era economic participation. It aligned with India’s mission to empower its young population as responsible and confident financial decision-makers contributing to a prosperous Viksit Bharat.

IEPFA’s nationwide efforts toward safeguarding investor interests and NCAER’s applied policy research under the IEPF Chair programme formed the core institutional foundation for this knowledge initiative.

The Workshop’s tone was set by the Welcome Address by Dean of School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, Prof. Debashis Acharya. Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, delivered the inaugural insights highlighting the crucial role of youth in shaping India’s economic future.

Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO, IEPFA & Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in her Keynote Address inspired the students for promoting investor education and highlighted investor protection policies and IEPFA’s efforts to strengthen financial trust and transparency.

Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor, NCAER, moderated the panel and emphasized the need for sustained financial education focusing on behavioural improvements and long-term inclusion.

He highlighted the need for trust-building between institutions and investors with an efficient grievance redressal so they feel confident participating in formal financial markets. His remarks urged stronger collaboration among academia, regulators, and market institutions ensuring that no segment of youth or any vulnerable section of society is left behind in India’s financial empowerment journey.

He cautioned students to safeguard themselves against rising financial frauds, scams, and misleading online influencers, especially in the high-velocity digital ecosystem. Prof. Alok Kumar Mishra, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, shared academic perspectives on enhancing digital-age financial capabilities among youth through targeted literacy strategies.

Dr. Singala Subbaiah, Ombudsman, RBI, highlighted the robust grievance redressal mechanisms, safe banking practices, and vigilance against growing digital financial frauds. Mr. Avishkar Naik, Senior Vice President, NSE India Ltd., shed light on evolving investor participation and how young investors are strengthening capital markets with informed decision-making.

Mr. Kamalakar Sai Palavalasa, Founder & Group CEO, MicroNsure, spoke about innovative fintech solutions advancing insurance access and financial security for underserved groups.

Participants actively interacted through discussions and a Q&A session focused on real-world financial scenarios, digital safety, role of youth and strategies to become smart wealth creators themselves.

The workshop successfully reinforced the shared commitment of IEPFA, NCAER, and the University of Hyderabad toward developing financially responsible citizens who can confidently navigate India’s fast-transforming financial ecosystem.

Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar, UoH; faculty members, officials, non-teaching staff, students of Institute of Insurance and Risk Management, Hyderabad and Epistemo Vikas Leadership School participated in the workshop.

Shri Ashish Jacob Thomas, Public Relations Officer, UoH offered words of thanks.

A team of dedicated student volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of this workshop. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and hard work was instrumental in making this event a memorable experience.