Report on Community Development Programme: Awareness of Small Saving Habits Among the Inhabitants of Kaliapani Muslim Gaon

Organized by: Department of Sociology, CKB College, Teok
Date: 13th March 2025

1. Introduction:

The Department of Sociology, CKB College, Teok, undertook a Community Development Programme focusing on "Awareness of Small Saving Habits among the Inhabitants of Kaliapani Muslim Gaon." This initiative was planned to promote financial literacy and encourage systematic savings among the local community. The primary resources involved in the programme included:

• Human Resources: Faculty members, student volunteers.
• Materials: Informative pamphlets, posters, and audio-visual aids.
• Venue: Community hall of Kaliapani Muslim Gaon.

2. Process

The programme was implemented in a structured manner, consisting of the following steps:

• Preliminary Survey: A preliminary visit was conducted to assess the existing saving habits of the residents and understand their financial awareness level.
• Awareness Session: Experts from financial institutions delivered interactive sessions on the importance of saving, various small saving schemes, and the role of banks and post offices.
• Demonstration and Enrollment: A practical demonstration was provided on how to open bank accounts and use mobile banking services. Local bank representatives facilitated account openings for interested participants.
• Group Discussions and Q&A: Participants actively engaged in group discussions and raised queries regarding financial planning, budgeting, and savings.

3. Outcome

The programme yielded several positive outcomes, including:

• Increased Financial Awareness: Residents gained knowledge about the importance of saving and different government-backed small saving schemes.
• Bank Account Openings: Several participants initiated the process of opening bank accounts.
• Interest in Self-Help Groups: Women from the community showed enthusiasm in forming self-help groups (SHGs) to collectively save and invest.
• Positive Engagement: The interactive sessions facilitated discussions, breaking myths and misconceptions about formal banking systems.

4. Impact

The long-term impact of the programme is expected to contribute significantly to the financial well-being of the inhabitants of Kaliapani Muslim Gaon. The key impacts include:

• Sustainable Saving Habits: Many residents expressed their intent to adopt systematic saving habits.
• Enhanced Financial Inclusion: With new bank accounts and awareness, the community is now more inclined towards formal financial institutions.
• Empowerment of Women and Youth: The programme motivated women and young individuals to actively participate in financial decision-making.
• Community Development: The initiative strengthened the relationship between the college and the local community, paving the way for future developmental activities.

The programme was successfully conducted, and the Department of Sociology, CKB College, Teok, aims to continue such initiatives to enhance financial literacy and self-sufficiency among marginalized communities.