Unveiling Regional Disparities-District Level Financial Inclusion Index for Bihar

Abstract

The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, has emerged as one of the most ambitious financial inclusion programs worldwide, aiming to provide universal access to banking services, affordable credit, and financial literacy. Over the last eleven   years, PMJDY has shown remarkable progress in expanding account ownership, mobilizing savings, and promoting the use of digital financial services across Indian states. Building on these insights, the research constructs a District Financial Inclusion Index (DFII) for Bihar’s 38 districts, incorporating indicators of availability, access, and usage of financial services. The DFII offers a composite measure to capture intra-district disparities and identify relatively lagging districts. By combining national-level trends with district-level evidence, this study provides a comprehensive picture of financial inclusion progress and challenges. The findings are expected to guide policymakers, financial institutions, and development practitioners in designing targeted interventions to deepen inclusion and enhance the socio-economic status of marginalized populations in Bihar and beyond.

Key Word: States,Regional Disparity, Financial Inclusion, PMJDY, District Financial Inclusion Index.