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Financial Inclusion in India: Does Distance Matter?

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  • Saibal Ghosh

Abstract

Employing a novel district-level survey data for India, the study investigates the impact of distance on financial inclusion. Using advanced econometric techniques, the findings indicate that distance primarily dampens the use of bank accounts as compared with access. These results are robust irrespective of whether distance is measured in terms of the time taken to reach the banking infrastructure or physical distance. These results are robust to a wide battery of robustness checks. The analysis suggests the need for policy strategies that can address the tyranny of distance towards achieving the financial inclusion goal.

Suggested Citation

  • Saibal Ghosh, 2020. "Financial Inclusion in India: Does Distance Matter?," South Asia Economic Journal, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, vol. 21(2), pages 216-238, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soueco:v:21:y:2020:i:2:p:216-238
    DOI: 10.1177/1391561420961649
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