Citation:

Pradeep, Shweta Anand "A Comparative Study of Awareness of Government Financial Inclusion Schemes among Urban and Rural Cardholders" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 5, No. 9, pp. 104-110, 2026. Crossref. https://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I9P111

Abstract:

Financial inclusion is now an important policy agenda item for achieving equitable economic growth and increasing access to formal financial services for all segments of society. The Government of India has initiated various financial inclusion policies to improve access to financial services and financial education, provide social security and promote economic empowerment. But their success relies heavily on the level of awareness of the target audience. The aim of this paper is to examine government financial inclusion schemes and compare the awareness of the schemes among urban and rural cardholders. The overall purpose of the research is to determine the level of awareness, compare urban and rural populations, and study the factors affecting the level of awareness. A descriptive and comparative research design was used, and primary data were collected by giving a structured questionnaire to the cardholders. Data were analyzed using statistical tools like percentage analysis, comparative tests and mean scores. The results will likely show a marked difference in awareness among urban and rural cardholders, which might stem from varying education, information and access, banking outreach and socioeconomic situations. The study adds to the body of knowledge on financial inclusion initiatives and calls for specific awareness campaigns to boost the use of government schemes. The findings can help inform policies, financial institutions and government decisions to improve financial literacy and inclusive financial development in both urban and rural areas.

References:

[1] Chakravarty, S. R., & Pal, R. (2013). Financial inclusion in India: An axiomatic approach. Journal of Policy Modeling, 35(5), 813-837.
[2] Government of India. (2024). Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). Ministry of Finance. https://pmjdy.gov.in
[3] Government of India. (2024). Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). Ministry of Finance. https://jansuraksha.gov.in
[4] Government of India. (2024). Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Ministry of Finance. https://jansuraksha.gov.in
[5] Government of India. (2024). Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. https://www.npscra.nsdl.co.in
[6] Government of India. (2024). Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme. https://dbtbharat.gov.in
[7] Kumar, N. (2019). Financial inclusion and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: A study of banking outreach in India. International Journal of Research in Economics and Social Sciences, 9(3), 45-58.
[8] NABARD. (2023). Status of Financial Inclusion in India. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mumbai.
[9] Patel, R., & Desai, V. (2021). Awareness and adoption of digital banking services among cardholders: An urban-rural analysis. International Journal of Banking, Risk and Insurance, 9(2), 34-48.
[10] Reserve Bank of India. (2023). Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2022-23. RBI Publications. https://www.rbi.org.in
[11] Reserve Bank of India. (2024). Financial Inclusion Reports and Publications. Reserve Bank of India. https://www.rbi.org.in
[12] Sarma, M., & Pais, J. (2011). Financial inclusion and development. Journal of International Development, 23(5), 613-628.
[13] Sharma, A., & Kukreja, S. (2013). Financial inclusion in India: An analysis. International Journal of Research in Finance and Marketing, 3(5), 15-28.
[14] Singh, R., & Gupta, P. (2020). Awareness and utilization of government financial inclusion schemes in India. International Journal of Management Studies, 7(4), 22-31.
[15] World Bank. (2022). The Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19. World Bank Publications. https://www.worldbank.org

Keywords:

Financial Inclusion, Government Financial Inclusion Schemes, Awareness Level, Urban Cardholders, Rural Cardholders, Financial Literacy, Banking Services, Urban-Rural Comparison.