Leveraging Financial Inclusion Through Technology-Enabled Services Innovation: A Case of Economic Development in India

Abstract

The majority of the Indian population is not getting the advantages of inclusive growth and development in India, referred to as financial inclusion, which has become a challenge for the Indian economy. The paper aims to investigate the use of available technology-enabled financial services and their role for financial inclusion in the current COVID-19 situation and the reaching of rural and semiurban India. The research is based on the in-depth analysis of the government policies and Fintech in the light of India's situation during COVID-19. The study reveals that the government showed the intent by opening a vast amount of banking accounts (411 million accounts) for financial inclusion in around six years. With radical changes in mobile subscribers and 4G, internet, and smartphone growth, India is close to achieving financial inclusion with full potential. However, significant change and development can be attained only if the government provides and motivates citizens to adopt the innovation services for financial inclusion.