The decision of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Education to encourage all recognized secondary schools in the state to implement the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) financial education programme is a welcome and timely initiative. The fact that four NCFE programmes are being offered free of cost makes this initiative even more commendable. In today's fast-changing world young people are exposed to online banking, digital wallets, UPI payments, credit cards, online shopping, and investment platforms from an early age. Every year, thousands of people lose their hard-earned savings to cybercriminals through phishing scams, fake investment schemes, and fraudulent digital transactions. The NCFE programme introduces students to practical financial concepts such as saving, budgeting, banking, digital payments, insurance, investment, responsible borrowing, and financial planning. These are not merely academic topics but essential life skills. Another significant aspect of the NCFE initiative is that it also aims to educate teachers. Well-informed teachers can effectively guide students and, in turn, spread financial awareness within their families and communities. Financial education deserves to be integrated into the regular school curriculum and made mandatory across all schools.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
