CRISIL FOUNDATION DURING PANDEMIC IN DISTRICT

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a global health crisis that has had a deep impact on the way we perceive our world and our everyday lives. Not only the rate of contagion and patterns of transmission threatens our sense of agency, but the safety measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus also require social distancing by refraining from doing what is inherently human, which is to find solace in the company of others. Within this context of physical threat, social and physical distancing, as well as public alarm, CRISIL Foundation has taken a prudent step of creating awareness about COVID-19 among rural folks simultaneously trying to achieve the goal of Financial Literacy.

CRISIL Foundation is currently implementing a pilot project on Financial Literacy launched by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in co-ordination with Reserve Bank of and Bank of India during October 2017 for a period of 3 years. Under the project, Centres for Financial Literacy (CFL) are set up with a common name and logo “MONEYWISE” in 5 Blocks of of State viz. , , , Khed & . Methods adopted for spread of Financial Literacy are Flip Book-based Training (FBT), Audio Visual-based Training (AVT) and Awareness Camps (AWC). Objectives of the pilot are :  Active savings and good borrowing  Financial planning and goal setting  Going digital and consumer protection

During the pandemic, the CFLs tuned themselves with the new way of working i.e. digital, going a step ahead in creation of social awareness. They undertook various measures for spreading awareness on COVID-19 by setting up of Helpline numbers at Block level. Encouraged Rural Financial Advisors (RFAs) and Village Level Financial Inclusion Committee (VLFIC) members to take part in relief work. Encouraged VLFICs and RFAs to sanitize their respective villages and support Local Administration by volunteering services at Institutional Isolation Centres.

Information dissemination on available Social Security Schemes and Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana. Encouraging people to pay their instalments of Deposits or Insurance on time. Creating awareness on usage of online methods for payment of bills and dues, money transfer, usage of ATMs/Micro ATMs, utilisation of services of India Post Payment Bank (IPPB), etc.

The role assumed by CRISIL Foundation during the pandemic is commendable befitting their mission and vision of spreading Literacy.

Best Wishes and Regards

Shrradha Hajirnis DDM NABARD Ratnagiri (Maharashtra)