Is it time to be wary of digital arrests as women now represent nearly 50% of officers? RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra

Click to start listening
Is it time to be wary of digital arrests as women now represent nearly 50% of officers? RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra

Synopsis

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra warns of the dangers of digital arrests and online frauds during a recent outreach program in Udaipur. He highlights the growing representation of women in banking roles while emphasizing the importance of e-KYC and digital financial literacy. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and proactive about their financial rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Stay vigilant against digital fraud.
  • Complete your e-KYC for security.
  • Women are increasingly leading in the banking sector.
  • RBI is actively working on unclaimed deposits.
  • Financial literacy is essential in the digital age.

Jaipur, Nov 1 (NationPress) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra addressed citizens in Udaipur during the Central bank's outreach initiative Your Capital, Your Rights on Saturday, warning individuals, particularly senior citizens, to be cautious of digital arrests and online scams.

He stressed the necessity of e-KYC for older bank accounts and encouraged the public to remain alert amid rapid digital advancements.

Malhotra stated, "Everyone from urban to rural areas is now part of the digital revolution. It's crucial we protect our elders from becoming victims of digital arrests and fraud," he emphasized.

Reflecting on progress, the RBI Governor noted the significant increase in women's representation within banking and administrative roles.

He remarked, "When I began my career, only about seven percent of my batch were women. Recently, I learned that women now comprise around 33 to 50 percent of new officers. Today, half of those present here are women. This is a moment of pride," he conveyed.

Malhotra praised Udaipur Divisional Commissioner Pragya Kewalramani and local banking officials, highlighting how women's leadership is evolving alongside men across India.

Expressing fondness for Udaipur, the RBI Governor reminisced about his previous assignments in Rajasthan.

He stated, "I have worked in Udaipur, known as the city of lakes, during my career. This marks my first visit to Rajasthan since I took office as RBI Governor, and I am genuinely moved by the warmth here," he shared.

Malhotra has previously served as Tribal Commissioner in Udaipur (June 2009) and later as Managing Director of Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited in August 2009.

He noted the advancement of financial inclusion, mentioning that nearly every citizen now possesses a digital bank account.

He said, "In the past, we focused on literacy and awareness. Today, almost everyone has a digital bank account linked to net banking, mobile banking, or ATMs," he emphasized.

Malhotra added that the current focus is on digital financial literacy and ensuring secure transactions as India transitions into a fully digital economy.

During the event, the RBI also commenced the process of returning Rs 101.47 crore, which was lying unclaimed in 286,243 bank accounts in Udaipur district, to their rightful owners.

Vikas Agarwal, RBI Deputy General Manager, mentioned these unclaimed deposits are being traced under a nationwide initiative by RBI.

Agarwal stated, "This program, launched under the directive of the Union government, aims to ensure that all unclaimed deposits reach their rightful owners," he explained.

In conclusion, Malhotra urged citizens to stay digitally aware and financially vigilant, reiterating that customer safety and convenience are top priorities for the RBI.

He advised, "Complete your e-KYC, remain alert to cyber scams, and ensure your financial rights are safeguarded," he concluded.

Point of View

We stand firmly with the RBI in promoting financial awareness and safety. The rise in women's representation within the banking sector is commendable, reflecting a progressive shift towards gender equality. However, the increasing risks of digital fraud necessitate urgent public awareness and education, particularly among vulnerable populations.
NationPress
05/11/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are digital arrests?
Digital arrests refer to the unlawful detention or harassment of individuals through online platforms, often associated with cyber fraud.
How can I protect myself from online fraud?
Stay vigilant by completing your e-KYC, regularly monitoring your accounts, and being cautious of unsolicited communications.
Why is e-KYC important?
E-KYC helps verify your identity digitally, ensuring your bank accounts remain secure and compliant with regulations.
What is the significance of women's representation in banking?
Increased representation of women in banking signifies progress towards gender equality and diversity, enriching the workforce.
How is RBI addressing unclaimed deposits?
RBI is initiating processes to return unclaimed deposits to rightful owners, ensuring transparency and financial inclusion.
Nation Press