New Delhi : NIIT Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing employability through digital education and skills development, has partnered with Mahindra Finance (MMFSL), one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFC) to implement Mahindra Finance’s flagship CSR program, ‘Dhan Samvaad’. Under this programme, NIIT Foundation has trained over 50,000 gig workers across various regions of Uttar Pradesh.
This initiative helps drivers, farmers, and self-employed workers strengthen their financial literacy, adopt safe digital practices, and access government welfare schemes more effectively. This initiative has been rolled out across Agra, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Budaun, Basti, Moradabad and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh under the Dhan Samvaad Financial and Digital Literacy Program.
Through this programme, nearly 35,000 participants have adopted the Digi Locker facility allowing them to securely store documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, and driving licences on the government promoted portal. In addition, over 34,000 were linked to key social security schemes including Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, E-Shram etc.
Sapna Moudgil, Chief Executive Officer, NIIT Foundation, said, “This partnership demonstrates how inclusive learning can change lives. From women artisans to frontline drivers, every participant learns not just to earn, but to secure their future digitally and financially.”
Manish Sinha, CHRO at Mahindra Finance mentioned, “Through Dhan Samvaad, we are supporting India’s gig workforce, drivers, small business owners, and daily earners, develop the habit of financial discipline and confidence. Our initiative seeks to unlock the economic benefits and empower communities to take advantage of social welfare schemes across communities”.
The knowledge assessments prior to and after training revealed improvements with awareness of cyber safety rising from 31% to 80%, understanding of insurance from 32% to 85%, and awareness of savings and investments improving from 33% to 83%. Participants also gained a stronger grasp of budgeting, responsible borrowing, and identifying online frauds, indicating a lasting shift toward financial confidence and digital security.
The Dhan Samvaad program aligns seamlessly with the RBI’s Augmenting Awareness initiatives by Regulated Entities, as it fosters financial literacy and digital inclusion through grassroots-level efforts. Delivered in local languages using interactive sessions and practical examples, the program empowers gig workers by enhancing their understanding of financial services and digital tools. It focuses on community outreach, capacity building via master trainer workshops, and promoting sustainable growth.
