Chandigarh, Aug 31 (PTI) Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao on Sunday emphasized that banking services, including digital platforms, are designed for public convenience and must be used responsibly.

The Bankers' Club, Chandigarh, organized a walkathon on Cyber Security Awareness at Sukhna Lake here on Sunday which was flagged off by Rao.

Rao noted that such physical initiatives, alongside RBI's online campaigns, are highly effective in spreading awareness.

According to an official statement here, Rao said that while counterfeit currency circulation is minimal, the public must continue to use the "look, touch, and feel" method to verify notes.

With growing adoption of digital payments, reliance on cash is declining, ensuring safer and more secure transactions.

The walkathon event witnessed enthusiastic participation from bankers across the region, who came together to spread awareness on safe banking and responsible digital practices, the statement said.

Rao congratulated the banking fraternity for their commitment to cyber safety through such outreach campaigns.

The event was also attended by Executive Directors from RBI along with Vinod Kumar Arya, Chief General Manager, NABARD (Haryana); Nivedita Tiwari, Chief General Manager, NABARD (Punjab); Krishan Sharma, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India; Lalit Taneja, General Manager, Punjab National Bank; and zonal managers of several other institutions.

The Bankers' Club is a forum of senior bankers in Chandigarh and includes members from RBI, NABARD, SBI, PNB, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and other banks represented by senior officers at the Deputy General Manager level and above. PTI SUN MR

Cyber security awareness urged to promote responsible digital banking and wider outreach for safer payments and consumer protection. Banking services, including digital platforms, must be used responsibly with emphasis on cyber security awareness and safe digital practices; outreach combining physical events and online campaigns effectively communicates secure banking behaviours. The statement stresses public vigilance against counterfeit notes using the 'look, touch and feel' method while noting that increased digital payments reduce cash reliance and enhance transaction safety. Broad participation by senior banking representatives exemplifies sector-wide efforts to promote consumer protection, cyber hygiene, and operational resilience through targeted engagement.