‘Dhan Samvaad’ program boosts financial literacy and digital skills in Uttar Pradesh

NIIT Foundation has joined forces with Mahindra Finance to roll out the company’s flagship CSR initiative, ‘Dhan Samvaad,’ aimed at improving financial literacy and digital skills among gig workers in Uttar Pradesh.

The collaboration has so far reached more than 50,000 drivers, farmers, and self-employed workers across Agra, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Budaun, Basti, Moradabad, and Lucknow.

The program helps participants access government welfare schemes, adopt safe digital practices, and strengthen financial management skills.

Around 35,000 individuals have enrolled in DigiLocker, a government portal for securely storing documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and driving licenses.

Additionally, over 34,000 workers were connected to key social security programs, including Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and E-Shram.

“This partnership demonstrates how inclusive learning can change lives. From women artisans to frontline drivers, every participant learns not just to earn but to secure their future digitally and financially,” said Sapna Moudgil, Chief Executive Officer of NIIT Foundation.

“Through Dhan Samvaad, we are supporting India’s gig workforce, drivers, small business owners, and daily earners to develop the habit of financial discipline and confidence,” said Manish Sinha, CHRO at Mahindra Finance.

“Our initiative seeks to unlock the economic benefits and empower communities to take advantage of social welfare schemes across communities,” Sinha added.

Pre- and post-training assessments showed significant improvement among participants: awareness of cyber safety increased from 31% to 80%, understanding of insurance rose from 32% to 85%, and knowledge of savings and investments grew from 33% to 83%.

Participants also improved their budgeting skills, understanding of responsible borrowing, and ability to recognize online fraud, reflecting a lasting impact on financial confidence and digital security.

The Dhan Samvaad program complements the RBI’s Augmenting Awareness initiatives by Regulated Entities, promoting financial literacy and digital inclusion at the grassroots level.

Delivered in local languages through interactive sessions, the initiative emphasizes community outreach, capacity building via master trainer workshops, and sustainable economic empowerment for gig workers.