Introduction
Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC) organized a Town Hall Programme for Students on the RBI – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 on 18th September 2026 at the SMVEC Auditorium. The programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness among students about safe banking practices, digital financial security, cyber fraud prevention, and the RBI Ombudsman Scheme. The programme provided students with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge about responsible digital banking and the precautions to be followed while carrying out online financial transactions.
Inaugural Ceremony
The programme commenced with the rendition of Thamizhthai Vazhthu, followed by the SMVEC Anthem, reflecting the cultural values and institutional spirit of the occasion. An AV presentation was then screened, providing an overview of the programme and highlighting its objectives and significance. The inaugural proceedings set a meaningful and dignified tone for the Town Hall Programme, preparing the students for the informative session ahead.
Lighting of the Kuthuvilakku
The traditional Lighting of the Kuthuvilakku was performed by the dignitaries, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the illumination of knowledge, awareness and wisdom. The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the programme and added a traditional and auspicious touch to the occasion. The presence of the distinguished dignitaries further enhanced the significance of the inaugural ceremony.
Welcome Address
The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. S. Anbumalar, Dean Academics, SMVEC. She welcomed the distinguished RBI officials, banking representatives, management members, faculty members and students and highlighted the importance of financial awareness and responsible digital banking practices among the younger generation.
Honouring of Dignitaries
The distinguished dignitaries and resource persons were formally honoured as a mark of respect and appreciation for their presence and valuable contribution to the programme. The felicitation recognized their professional expertise, guidance and commitment towards creating greater awareness among students on safe digital banking practices, cyber fraud prevention and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
Safe Digital Banking Practices
The session began with an informative discussion on Safe Digital Banking Practices, led by the RBI resource team. Ms. Jayanthi Mohapatra, Chief General Manager and Banking Ombudsman, RBI, highlighted the importance of using digital banking services responsibly and securely. Students were guided on protecting their banking credentials, passwords and personal information while carrying out online transactions. The official also emphasized the importance of using trusted banking applications and websites and avoiding the sharing of confidential banking details with unknown individuals. The session encouraged students to adopt safe and responsible digital banking habits in their daily lives.
Cyber Fraud Awareness
The session on Cyber Fraud Awareness provided students with valuable insights into the growing risks associated with online financial transactions. Mr. Sumed Devidas Jawade, General Manager and Deputy Ombudsman, RBI explained common forms of cyber fraud and the precautions that can be taken to prevent becoming a victim of fraudulent activities. Students were advised to remain cautious while responding to suspicious calls, messages, emails and links. The importance of verifying requests before sharing personal or financial information was also emphasized, helping students understand the need for greater awareness in the digital environment.
RBI Ombudsman Scheme
An important part of the session focused on the RBI Ombudsman Scheme and its role in strengthening customer grievance redressal in the banking and financial services sector. Mr. Vignesh, Manager, RBI, provided an overview of the scheme and its significance. The students were familiarized with the grievance redressal mechanism and the importance of approaching the appropriate channels when banking-related complaints remain unresolved.
Caution against Unauthorized Transactions
The session also addressed the importance of being vigilant against unauthorized banking transactions. Mr. Abhijit Gunwant Parate, Assistant Manager, RBI, shared practical banking perspectives and emphasized the need to monitor account activity regularly. Students were advised not to disclose confidential banking information, OTPs, PINs or passwords to others and to report suspicious transactions promptly through the appropriate banking channels. The discussion highlighted the importance of immediate action and responsible banking practices in protecting financial accounts.
Student Interaction Session
An interactive session was conducted as part of the programme, providing students with an opportunity to engage directly with the RBI officials and banking representatives. Students actively participated in the interaction and raised questions related to digital banking, cyber fraud, unauthorized transactions, and grievance redressal. The resource persons clarified their queries and provided practical guidance on maintaining financial security.
Appreciation of Students
The students were appreciated for their active participation, enthusiastic involvement and keen interest throughout the programme. Their attentive engagement and interaction with the RBI officials contributed significantly to the success of the Town Hall Programme. The students were also encouraged to apply the knowledge gained from the session in their day-to-day digital banking activities and to remain vigilant against cyber fraud and unauthorized transactions.
Vote of Thanks
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by the Faculty of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). The speaker expressed sincere gratitude to the RBI officials, banking representatives, management, faculty members and students for their valuable presence, guidance and support in making the programme meaningful and informative.
National Anthem
The programme concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, marking the formal closure of the Town Hall Programme. The dignitaries, faculty members, staff and students stood together in respect and unity, bringing the event to a dignified conclusion. The National Anthem served as a fitting conclusion to an informative and meaningful programme focused on financial awareness, safe digital banking and responsible banking practices.
Conclusion
The RBI – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2026 Town Hall Programme served as an informative platform for students to enhance their awareness of digital banking safety, cyber fraud prevention and banking grievance redressal mechanisms. The programme successfully encouraged students to adopt responsible and secure digital banking practices and remain vigilant against potential financial frauds and unauthorized transactions.
