Why Students Need To Learn About Money, Savings And Investments Early: Network18, HDFC MF Launch New Initiative

Last Updated:November 14, 2026, 5:33 PM IST

Navneet Munot, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said financial knowledge should be introduced at an early age.

Network18, HDFC Mutual Fund Launch Mission Wealthwise To Promote Financial Literacy (AI Image)

Financial literacy may soon receive greater attention in school education, with Network18 and HDFC Mutual Fund joining hands to promote financial awareness among young Indians. The two organisations have launched ‘Mission Wealthwise’, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging the inclusion of financial education in the formal school curriculum.

The initiative seeks to bring policymakers, educators, parents and industry experts together to build awareness about financial literacy as an essential life skill. It aims to help young people develop the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed financial decisions.

The programme will involve Network18’s editorial team, government bodies, industry experts, education boards, state-level policymakers and academic institutions. The objective is to encourage greater recognition of financial education as an important part of the school learning system.

Why financial literacy should begin in schools

Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Asset Management Company Limited, said financial knowledge should be introduced at an early age.

“Financial literacy is a foundational life skill that should be nurtured early. The ability to make sound financial decisions has a lasting impact on an individual’s life and, collectively, on the financial well-being of society,” Munot said.

He pointed out that people often develop the foundations for financial decisions much later than they should. Introducing financial education in schools, he said, could help bridge this gap by building awareness and confidence among children from an early age.

Munot added that Mission Wealthwise aims to bring relevant stakeholders together and turn discussions about financial education into meaningful action.

Investor awareness programmes planned in schools

As part of the initiative, Investor Awareness Programmes (IAP) will be conducted across educational institutions. These programmes will directly engage students and encourage participation at the grassroots level.

A dedicated Mission Wealthwise landing page will also be developed to serve as a content hub for the initiative.

The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) has joined the programme as its Knowledge Partner, while Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) will participate as the depository partner.

Making financial awareness part of education

Through Mission Wealthwise, HDFC Mutual Fund aims to support wider efforts to make financial literacy an integral part of school education. The initiative will bring together policymakers, educators, parents and representatives from the financial services ecosystem to build support for financial awareness among young Indians.

To Know more: https://www.hdfcfund.com/learn/sip

Its broader objective is to ensure that financial education becomes an essential part of how students learn and prepare for their future.

The initiative also carries an investor education and awareness message. HDFC Mutual Fund has advised investors to complete the one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement before investing in mutual funds and to deal only with registered mutual funds. Their registration details can be checked on the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) website.

Investors with queries or complaints can approach asset management companies (AMCs) or their Investor Relations Officers. If they are dissatisfied with the resolution, they can raise complaints through SEBI’s SCORES portal. They can also use the Smart ODR platform if they remain dissatisfied with the resolution through the AMC or SCORES.

(HDFC Mutual Fund: Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks and advised investors to read all scheme-related documents carefully.)

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What is the primary goal of the Mission Wealthwise initiative launched by Network18 and HDFC Mutual Fund?

The nationwide ‘Mission Wealthwise’ initiative aims to encourage the inclusion of financial education in the formal school curriculum. It brings together policymakers, educators, parents, and industry experts to help young Indians build the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed financial decisions early in life.

Which organizations are participating as knowledge and depository partners in Mission Wealthwise?

The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) has joined the programme as its official Knowledge Partner, while Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) is participating as the depository partner.

What steps are recommended for investors wishing to raise complaints regarding mutual funds?

Investors with queries or complaints should first approach their respective asset management companies (AMCs) or Investor Relations Officers. If they are dissatisfied with the resolution, they can escalate their complaints through SEBI’s SCORES portal or use the Smart ODR platform.

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