Lucknow: The UP Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) collaborated with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday to build a generation of financially aware, economically empowered and future-ready youth.Through this partnership, over 1.5 lakh youth currently undergoing skill development across more than 1,000 training centers under UPSDM and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), will receive specialized financial skill training starting next week.Mission director Pulkit Khare said, “The initiative integrates financial awareness with vocational training to strengthen long-term economic outcomes for youth.”Prior to the MoU signing, a financial literacy and awareness workshop was organised to sensitise departmental officers and staff on the importance of financial literacy, informed decision-making and long-term financial planning. They were also informed about the 12 core principles of financial success — savings discipline, living within one’s means, emergency preparedness, responsible borrowing, regular investing, diversification, understanding risk and return, tax-efficient investing, inflation planning, insurance awareness, estate planning, and periodic portfolio review — were shared by NSE experts.Participants were introduced to the SaaRthi App, an investor education platform offering educational content, financial planning modules, calculators and financial health assessment tools.According to officials, the initiative will provide practical knowledge on budgeting, savings, responsible investing, debt management, and informed financial planning. “In today’s time of online frauds, misleading investment schemes and financial uncertainties, financial education has become essential for our youth. Employment is important, but financial prudence is equally critical. This partnership will prepare youth for skill plus financial intelligence and empower them to become financially responsible and self-reliant citizens,” Khare said.
