A study on empowering rural India: Leveraging ICT and government financial inclusion schemes (GIFS) for financial literacy

AbstractIndia is predominantly rural, with approximately 68% of its population residing in around 6,49,481 villages, and 25.7% living below the poverty line. The nation’s progress is closely tied to the prosperity of its villages. A knowledge-based economy will characterize the approaching age. With the increasing popularity of smart phones, it is now possible to provide multiple services with a single click. The Indian government began the “Digital India” program on 1 July 2015, with the well-defined goals of connecting rural areas to highspeed internet networks and enhancing digital literacy.Over the past ten years, India has made impressive progress in financial inclusion because to government programs like the Pradhan Mantri and the Digital India Movement. Yojana Jan Dhan. Ensuring a stable income and alleviating poverty are key factors in building an inclusive society. The growing role of Information and Communication Technology is helping previously unbanked individuals gain access to the banking system, further integrating them into the financial mainstream.This study highlights how Government is promoting financial inclusion schemes using Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). The Government Financial Inclusion schemes (GFIS) being studied in this research are Digital APPs, software, or through digital centre.The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative information from focus groups with rural communities with quantitative analysis. It also draws on existing literature and previous studies. While various schemes like Atal Pension Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana were acknowledged, PMJDY was selected as the focal point.The report emphasizes how ICT may revolutionize financial inclusion and literacy in rural India. Programs like PMJDY show how focused government efforts may strengthen underprivileged groups and create a more prosperous and inclusive society.