Only Bank Account is Not Sufficient: An Empirical Evidence of Gender Gap in Financial Inclusion in Remote Hilly India

Abstract

Purpose-The study attempts to explore the determinants of demand side of financial inclusion; it examines the gender gap in financial inclusion in the hilly remote of India.
 Design/methodology/approach- the study has used demand side determinant of financial inclusion to measure gender gap using 400 samples in the hilly remote district of Uttarkashi in India. This research has used both descriptive and exploratory research design. The primary data has been collected using structured questionnaire using multistage stratified random sampling. Logistic regression is performed to describe the gender gap and impact of other independent variable on usage determinant of financial inclusion.
 Findings- Out of ten logistic regression models to determine gender gap in financial seven were statistically significant to explain the gender gap. In addition to gender the other factors like income, education, employment and density of financial institutions were statistically significant for the financial inclusion in remote hilly region in India.
 Research limitations/implications- the outcome of research will assist the stakeholders, policy makers and researchers to reorient their views towards financial inclusion and its relationship with gender and other variables. It will also help them to enact policy guideline towards gender in financial inclusion initiative
 Originality/value-Density of financial institution do play an important role in financial inclusion. This paper has also given more weightage to digital aspects of financial inclusion. This study will thus add a new dimension in determining financial inclusion and will enhance the literature of financial inclusion.