Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening practical education, the Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce financial literacy among school students across the state.
The agreement was signed between the Panchasakha Siksha Setu Organisation (PSSSO) and the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) to roll out a structured financial literacy programme for students from Class 6 to 10 in PM SHRI schools.
The MoU was formalised in the presence of Dr N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department. The agreement was signed by Ananya Das, Member Secretary of PSSSO and State Project Director of OSEPA, and Alok Chandra Jena, Director and Chief Executive Officer of NCFE.
As per the agreement, the programme will be implemented in 736 Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) schools across all 30 districts of Odisha, in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020.
The initiative aims to equip students with essential financial knowledge and skills, enabling them to make informed financial decisions and develop a sense of financial responsibility from an early age.
Students will be introduced to key concepts such as money management, savings, budgeting, banking, investment, taxation, financial transactions, and responsible financial behaviour. The programme is designed to build a strong foundation in financial literacy while also fostering entrepreneurial thinking among young learners.
To ensure effective implementation, teachers will undergo specialised training in financial literacy before the programme is introduced in classrooms. This will enable educators to deliver the curriculum in a structured and impactful manner.
Under the initiative, selected schools will also be recognised as “Money Smart Schools” by NCFE, further encouraging institutional participation and excellence in financial education.
The collaboration marks a key milestone in the state’s efforts to enhance the quality of education and integrate skill-based learning into the school system. It also reflects Odisha’s focus on preparing students for real-world challenges by equipping them with practical financial knowledge and life skills.
