FINANCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT MODEL

In recent years, India has witnessed a high rate of economic growth, which has resulted in greater personal wealth for many Indians. However, a majority section of the society is still financially uncovered, meaning it does not have access to formal financial institutions. In light of recent research that shows a strong correlation between financial exclusion and poverty and inequality, the Indian government has made financial inclusion an integral part of its planning strategy. The spreading of banking network to the vast rural areas of the country at an affordable cost remains as a challenge to all those who are involved. In India, an effort has been made to achieve financial inclusion by using information and communication technology through a Business Correspondent model. This paper provides an overview of the model and the challenges it might face. The primary data were collected from 55 customers who were holding bank account and use banking services through SBI Business correspondents in Iyyan Reddiyapatti, Marungapuri block, Trichy district. An attempt has been made to study the extent of financial Inclusion in the region and the role of BCs in this regard