Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar has called for the introduction of financial literacy as a compulsory part of the school curriculum, arguing that students should develop practical money-management skills from an early age. Speaking at the Bengal Rising Finance and Investment Summit 2026 in Kolkata on Sunday, he said financial education is becoming as essential as technological knowledge in today's rapidly changing world.
Addressing investors, educators, and market professionals, Majumdar noted that while India has made significant progress in improving literacy, the next priority should be equipping young people with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. He said students should understand the basics of the stock market, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), savings, and responsible investing before they complete their schooling.
The minister's proposal received support from the organisers of the summit. Bholanath Das, founder of the School of Day Traders and a SEBI-registered research analyst, welcomed the suggestion, stating that his organisation has long advocated the inclusion of financial education in academic curricula to prepare students for real-world financial responsibilities.
The day-long summit brought together more than 200 participants, including investors, traders, entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, financial experts, and SEBI-registered professionals. The event featured panel discussions, expert lectures, and training workshops focusing on investment strategies, financial planning, wealth creation, risk management, and current market trends.
Speakers emphasised the importance of informed decision-making and responsible investing, highlighting financial awareness as a key life skill that can help individuals build long-term economic security and contribute to India's future growth.
