District-Level Workshop on Digital Safety and Financial Literacy Held in Nuapada: Awareness drive for women and adolescent girls under ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’; International Youth Day observed

Nuapada, August 12: A district-level workshop on digital and financial literacy, social, economic and political rights, and cyber safety was organised by the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Nuapada, under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme. The programme was also held to mark International Youth Day at the local Sadbhavana Auditorium. District Collector Madhusudan Dash inaugurated the programme and urged participants to remain alert against cyber fraud and use digital platforms safely and responsibly. He stressed the importance of immediately reporting cyber fraud and taking appropriate action without delay. On the occasion of International Youth Day, the Collector recalled the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and called upon the youth to utilise their strength, talent and skills for the development of society and the nation. District Social Welfare Officer Premlata Sethi introduced the guests and explained the objectives of the workshop. She said the programme aimed to create awareness among women and adolescent girls about digital and financial literacy, safe use of the online world, different forms of cybercrime, their impact and preventive measures. The workshop was addressed by DLSA Secretary Navanita Das, District Informatics Officer Binay Tiwari, Cyber Police Station IIC Dilip Sahu, SI Chandrakanta Barik and SBI RSETI’s Sudhakar Satapathy. The speakers discussed various forms of cybercrime, including phishing, online fraud, misuse of social media and digital bullying, along with relevant legal provisions and preventive measures. The participants were also sensitised about digital and financial literacy and women’s social, economic and political rights. Special emphasis was laid on protecting personal information while using mobile phones and social media, maintaining strong passwords and avoiding unknown links, calls and suspicious messages. Participants were advised that in case of cybercrime, complaints should be lodged immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and assistance can be sought through the 1930 cybercrime helpline. The speakers also highlighted the psychological and social impact of digital bullying and the importance of psychosocial support for victims. A large number of district-level officials, BDOs, BEOs, CDPOs, officials from various departments, school and college heads, supervisors, members of Self-Help Groups and students attended the programme. Three Girls Honoured as ‘Girl Champions’ Under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, three students were recognised as ‘Girl Champions’ for their achievements and contribution towards inspiring other girls. Pratikshya Kumbhar of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Nuapada, Karishma Sabar of SSD Girls High School and Rupali Sabar of Eklavya Model Residential School were presented certificates of appreciation and cash awards. District Mission Coordinator Ashish Ranjan Khamari, along with Narad Chhatar, Sanjay Bandichhor, Ipsita Rajput, Ramakanta Sethi, Rakesh Nag, Deshram Harijan, Sumit Pradhan and other staff members, extended their cooperation for the successful organisation of the programme. At the end of the programme, Protection Officer Manjulata Shukla proposed the vote of thanks. The workshop concluded with a strong message to women, adolescent girls and young people to become digitally aware, financially responsible and better equipped to protect themselves from the growing threat of cybercrime.