Factors affecting financial inclusion in rural areas

Financial inclusion is the process of ensuring access to financial services and sufficient credit where and when needed by underprivileged groups such as weaker sections and low earning groups at a reasonable cost. In other words, financial inclusion means the delivery of banking services and credit at a reasonable cost to the vast sections of deprived and low income groups. The banking industry in India has shown tremendous increase in volume and coverage during the last four decades. However, in spite of making significant improvement in the areas relating to financial feasibility, effectiveness and competitiveness, still there are concerns about the presence of financial exclusion. The main objectives of this study are to identify the factors influencing financial inclusion in rural areas and to measure the effect of each factor on the financial inclusion. Findings of the study would help the policy makers to give more focus on the factors which affect financial inclusion in rural areas.