Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment of Scheduled Tribe Households: An Empirical Study of Selected Tribal Areas in kumuram bheem district of Telangana

Abstract

Financial inclusion is an important instrument for improving the economic well-being of households, particularly among socially and economically vulnerable communities. Access to formal banking, savings, credit, insurance, pension and digital financial services can enhance household financial security and economic opportunities. This study proposes to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and economic empowerment among Scheduled Tribe (ST) households in selected tribal areas of Telangana. The study focuses on access to banking services, savings, institutional credit, insurance, pension, digital financial services and financial literacy as dimensions of financial inclusion. Economic empowerment is examined through indicators such as household income, savings capacity, asset creation, livelihood security, debt management and participation in financial decision-making. The study proposes to collect primary data from selected ST households through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, correlation and multiple regression may be used to analyse the relationship between financial inclusion and economic empowerment. The study is expected to provide evidence regarding the level of financial inclusion among ST households and identify the major barriers affecting their access to formal financial services. The findings may be useful to banks, government departments, local bodies and development agencies in designing measures for inclusive tribal economic development.