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Essential Financial Awareness Training Boosts Cyber Safety

Rashtriya Raksha University and CDSL, under the CDSL-RRU Project, conducted Financial Awareness and Cyber Resilience Training to the 185 Battalion in Srinagar, J&K.

The Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as part of the Central Depository Services (India) Limited & Rashtriya Raksha University (CDSL-RRU) initiative, successfully delivered a one-day training programme on “Financial Planning, Financial Fraud, and Cyber Fraud Prevention and Mitigation” at the Recruit Training Centre, Srinagar 185 Battalion (Lethpora, Pulwama). This programme, led by Brigadier Rohit Nautiyal (DIG/Principal), aimed to enhance financial awareness throughout India.

This training came at a time when digital payments, online banking, and mobile applications have become part of daily life, even in remote and sensitive regions. Security personnel often face unique risks, as they handle salaries, allowances, and personal savings while serving in demanding conditions. Many fraud cases across the country show that uniformed personnel are increasingly targeted through fake calls, phishing messages, and misleading investment schemes. Programmes like this help build basic financial understanding and reduce the chances of such losses.

Following the introductory remarks, Ms Anshu Singh, Assistant Professor at Rashtriya Raksha University, presented the overview of the vision and mission of the University and delivered specialised training to the organisation, furthering the project’s objective of enhancing financial literacy and cyber safety awareness among citizens. This initiative overviews RRU’s commitment to equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of modern financial landscapes and protect themselves from evolving cyber threats. The programme covered essential topics designed to empower participants with practical strategies for sound financial management and robust defence against fraudulent activities.

Experts in financial education often stress that early awareness can prevent long-term damage. Simple habits like checking bank alerts, not sharing one-time passwords, and understanding basic savings options can protect families from major financial stress. By explaining these ideas in simple language, the training helped participants connect real-life situations with safer financial behaviour.

Deputy Commandants Shri Dolfe Jacob and Shri Pawan Kumar initiated the session by outlining the training’s objectives and structure, highlighting that 480 registered recruits would receive certificate training from Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU). Following their address, experts introduced their respective universities, articulated the vision of Rashtriya Raksha University, and detailed the objectives and nationwide mandate of the CDSL-RRU Project.

Certification-based learning has become important in professional environments, as it gives formal value to skills gained outside routine duties. For recruits, such certificates also build confidence and show that financial awareness is now considered an essential life skill, not just an optional subject. Across India, similar programmes have shown that trained personnel are more likely to guide their families and peers, spreading awareness beyond the classroom.

The training programme, a component of the CDSL-RRU Project, was successfully executed at RTC, Srinagar. It received an overwhelming response from approximately 600 personnel, including grading officers, SOS, and staff, who participated in two batches. Participants particularly valued the relevance, clarity, and practical insights provided during the sessions, which focused on crucial aspects of financial planning, common financial and cyber frauds, preventive measures, and mitigation strategies, thereby enhancing their ability to protect themselves against financial risks.

The strong participation reflects a growing concern among security forces about financial safety. Recent national data shows a steady rise in cyber fraud complaints, with many cases involving fake customer care numbers, digital loan traps, and social media scams. Training sessions like this help personnel identify warning signs early and respond correctly, such as reporting incidents quickly and blocking suspicious transactions.

The successful execution of this training in RTC, Srinagar, brought out a critical advancement in the ongoing mission of the CDSL-RRU Project to cultivate financial awareness and enhance cyber resilience throughout the nation. This programme is part of a broader initiative by Rashtriya Raksha University, which has been actively involved in various projects to promote national security and public awareness. The curriculum covered essential aspects of financial planning, equipping participants with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively. Furthermore, it delved into the intricacies of financial fraud and cyber fraud, providing crucial strategies for prevention and mitigation, a topic of increasing importance in the digital age.

Cyber resilience is now seen as a part of national security, as financial fraud can affect morale and stability within forces. Teaching safe digital behaviour, strong passwords, and careful use of public networks helps reduce these risks. Such knowledge also supports government efforts to create a safer digital ecosystem across the country.

Brigadier Rohit Nautiyal’s leadership was instrumental in the programme’s successful delivery, highlighting the commitment of the Recruit Training Centre to the holistic development and protection of its personnel. This programme is a testament to the collaborative efforts between academic institutions like RRU and security forces to address contemporary challenges facing individuals and the nation.