Lucknow | The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched Financial Literacy Week (FLW) 2026, aimed at strengthening public awareness about safe and responsible banking practices. Observed annually since 2016, Financial Literacy Week focuses on a specific theme each year to promote financial awareness across the country. This year, the campaign is being observed from 9 February to 13 February 2026 with the theme “KYC – Your First Step to Safe Banking.”
The theme highlights the importance of Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, awareness of the Central KYC Registry (CKYC), and the need for account hygiene and financial discipline to ensure secure banking and prevent financial fraud.
Statewide Awareness Programmes in Uttar Pradesh
The RBI’s Lucknow office, in coordination with NABARD, banks, Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), and other stakeholders, has initiated extensive financial awareness programmes across Uttar Pradesh. As part of this initiative, financial literacy camps are being organised in all 75 districts of the state, focusing on educating the public about KYC compliance and safe usage of bank accounts.
Banks have been directed to prominently display RBI-prepared financial literacy material on their websites, ATMs, mobile applications, branch premises, and digital display boards. In addition, a month-long multimedia awareness campaign is being conducted at prominent locations in the state capital through hoardings, LED screens, and digital displays, ensuring wider dissemination of key messages.
Formal Inauguration in Lucknow
Financial Literacy Week 2026 was formally inaugurated on 9 February 2026 at Hotel Taj Mahal, Lucknow, by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Lucknow. The event was attended by Shri Tamal Bandyopadhyay (Special Invitee), Smt Sonali Das, General Manager, RBI, senior officials from NABARD, the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), senior bank officials, and other RBI officers.
During the inaugural session, financial literacy posters based on the 2026 theme were unveiled to mark the commencement of the awareness campaign.
Emphasis on KYC and Fraud Prevention
Addressing the gathering, the Regional Director emphasised the critical role of KYC in building a secure and trustworthy financial system. He recalled that in the previous year, a nationwide campaign had been conducted at the Gram Panchayat level to promote financial inclusion schemes and ensure re-KYC compliance for eligible account holders. The RBI’s Lucknow office, along with banks and other stakeholders, actively participated in this effort to ensure coverage at the grassroots level.
He noted that KYC is a vital regulatory requirement, and compliance has been made easier through safe and convenient methods such as Video Customer Identification Process (V-CIP) and CKYC. He also highlighted that the campaign would raise awareness about fraudulent calls, messages, and links, which often lead to financial losses.
Focus Areas of Financial Literacy Week 2026
The key focus areas of Financial Literacy Week 2026 include:
- Basic awareness of Know Your Customer (KYC)
- Understanding the Central KYC Registry (CKYC)
- Safe account usage, account hygiene, and financial discipline
The public was cautioned against falling prey to fraudsters and becoming money mules, with emphasis placed on the serious legal and financial consequences involved. It was reiterated that KYC is not merely a procedural requirement but a cornerstone of a safe, inclusive, and reliable banking system.
Stakeholders were urged to actively promote the messages of Financial Literacy Week, with officials noting that the awareness drive will continue throughout the year to ensure sustained impact and improved banking behaviour.
Financial Literacy and Inclusion
In her address, Sonali Das, General Manager, RBI, underlined the importance of financial literacy in advancing financial inclusion. She highlighted various aspects of KYC and stressed its role in protecting customers while strengthening trust in the banking ecosystem.
Through Financial Literacy Week 2026, the Reserve Bank of India aims to empower citizens with essential financial knowledge, promote disciplined banking practices, and enhance safeguards against financial fraud, reinforcing confidence in the formal financial system.
