IEPFA and IPPB Sign MoA to Launch Phase 2 of “Niveshak Didi” to Boost Rural Women’s Financial Literacy

8April 2025: In a landmark step toward financial inclusion and rural empowerment, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), operating under the Department of Posts, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to jointly launch Phase 2 of the “Niveshak Didi” initiative. This strategic collaboration aims to scale financial literacy among women in rural, semi-urban, and underserved areas through grassroots mobilization and community-driven education.

“Niveshak Didi” is a unique initiative that trains women postal workers and community leaders to act as financial educators within their local regions. During Phase 1, more than 55,000 beneficiaries participated in IPPB Financial Literacy Camps across India, with approx. 60% female beneficiaries mostly in the youth & economically active age group. Every 2 out of 3 such beneficiaries belonged to deep rural locations ensuring maximum penetration at the grassroots levels.

Building on the success of Phase 1, this new phase will see the deployment of over 4,000 financial literacy camps across India. These camps will be led by almost 40,000 women postal workers trained as Niveshak Didis, who will conduct sessions on responsible investing, fraud awareness, savings habits, and digital banking tools.

Lt Col Aditya Sinha (Retd.), General Manager, IEPFA, highlighted the mission behind the initiative, “Niveshak Didi goes beyond being a campaign — it drives a grassroots movement that delivers financial knowledge directly to the last mile. We aim to empower rural women with the skills and confidence to make informed financial decisions. By partnering with IPPB, we ensure that awareness turns into action and that financial education becomes a catalyst for real community transformation. We believe that when women gain financial literacy, entire families and communities benefit.”

Mr. Gursharan Rai Bansal, Chief General Manager & CSMO, IPPB, added with conviction, “We see women as natural community influencers. When we provide them with the right knowledge and tools, they don’t just manage their own finances better — they lead change in their communities. Through this partnership with IEPFA, we are deepening our mission to bring inclusive, accessible banking to every doorstep. Niveshak Didi enables us to build trust, inspire & share financial discipline, and create a lasting impact at the grassroots level.”