20,000 AP Youth to Be Trained in Financial Literacy: IIMV and AMFI Launch Statewide Train-the-Trainer Program
13th December, Visakhapatnam: The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM Visakhapatnam), in collaboration with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), has launched a Training Program on Financial Literacy, a statewide Train-the-Trainer initiative aimed at strengthening household portfolio diversification and advancing financial empowerment across Andhra Pradesh.
As part of the program, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has nominated two faculty members from government colleges in each of the state’s 26 districts for a one-day intensive training at IIM Visakhapatnam. These trained faculty members will then educate 20,000 youth across Andhra Pradesh by March 2026, creating a scalable and sustainable model for financial literacy.
The inaugural event was graced by Shri Venkat N. Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, AMFI, and Dr. Narayana Bharath Gupta, IAS, Director of Collegiate Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, along with senior leadership from IIM Visakhapatnam.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, India faces a structural paradox in household savings. Nearly 55–60 percent of Indian household financial savings remain parked in bank deposits, while only about 15 percent of household wealth is invested in market-linked financial assets such as equities and mutual funds. Addressing this challenge, Prof. Vijaya Marisetty, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair Professor and Program Director, emphasized that access alone cannot bridge the financial literacy gap. “This gap can only be bridged through education that is structured, credible, and scalable. That is where this Train-the-Trainer model comes in,” he noted.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director, IIM Visakhapatnam, referred to the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Inclusion Index and highlighted the critical role of education in deepening financial capability. “We are delighted to partner with AMFI in launching this unique initiative. At IIM Visakhapatnam, we believe that meaningful financial literacy must combine academic depth with real-world relevance. By training government college faculty from across Andhra Pradesh, we are creating a sustainable multiplier effect that strengthens financial awareness at the grassroots level. This initiative reflects the transformative role institutions can play in supporting inclusive and equitable growth,” he said.
Shri Venkat N. Chalasani, CEO, AMFI, noted that AMFI aims to move individuals from being literate to being financially literate, and that this initiative represents a significant step in that direction. He emphasized that trained educators act as catalysts for change, helping translate financial awareness into informed action. Commending IIM Visakhapatnam’s leadership, he highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s immense potential to advance financial inclusion that is accessible, credible, and impactful.
Dr. Narayana Bharath Gupta, IAS, Director of Collegiate Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, observed that India is traditionally a nation of savers rather than investors. He emphasized that teachers could serve as a compass guiding the transition from saving to disciplined investing, leading to long-term wealth creation for both the state and the nation.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Amit Shankar, Dean (Research), IIM Visakhapatnam, who expressed gratitude to AMFI and the Government of Andhra Pradesh for their proactive support and continued collaboration.
This initiative follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIM Visakhapatnam and AMFI earlier this year in the presence of Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). IIM Visakhapatnam is the only IIM to host the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair, underscoring its commitment to inclusive growth and public-good initiatives.
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