Thane, September 24, 2026: The spirit of Ganeshotsav in Bhandarli village of Kalyan taluka witnessed a unique blend of devotion and social awareness, as a financial literacy guidance camp was organised for devotees and villagers.
The programme was conducted under the ‘Lok Samvad’ initiative of the Thane District Information Office, functioning under the Department of Information and Public Relations. At the ‘One Village, One Ganpati’ Jan Ganeshotsav Mandal in Bhandarli, villagers were provided detailed information about various welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments, social security schemes, banking services and safe digital transactions.
The initiative aimed to take information about government schemes directly to citizens through festival venues and create greater awareness about their benefits. The programme received a positive response from devotees and local residents.
Guidance on Banking and Social Security Schemes
District Lead Bank Manager Abhishek Pawar delivered a special presentation on financial literacy and highlighted the importance of financial awareness in empowering ordinary citizens.
The main guidance session was conducted by Shanta Shinde, Financial Literacy Trainer at the Financial Literacy Centre functioning under the District Lead Bank. She explained various banking and financial schemes in a simple and engaging manner.
She provided detailed information about loan schemes implemented through banks, financial assistance for self-employment and the importance of regular savings. She also explained important social security schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and urged eligible citizens to take advantage of these schemes.
Special Focus on Cyber Safety
With the growing use of digital transactions, citizens were also made aware of the increasing threat of cyber fraud. Participants were advised to exercise caution while making digital payments, avoid clicking on unknown links and never share their OTP with anyone.
Villagers were also informed about the Government’s National Cyber Helpline 1930, which can be contacted for immediate assistance in cases of cyber fraud. Guidance was also provided on approaching the RBI Ombudsman framework for complaints and issues related to banking services.
Ganpati Mandap Turns into a Platform for Public Awareness
The direct interaction between government officials, banking representatives and villagers during Ganeshotsav emerged as a key feature of the initiative.
Devotees, senior citizens and youngsters in Bhandarli welcomed the programme and expressed satisfaction that banking officials came directly to the Ganpati mandap to explain various schemes and financial safety measures.
The initiative highlighted how the festive atmosphere of Ganeshotsav can also become a meaningful platform for financial literacy, cyber safety and public awareness.
