DIGITALIZATION OF WOMEN SELF–HELP GROUPS IN INDIA: WHAT IS GOING ON AND WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?

The emergence of digital technology has done a metamorphic change in the entire lifestyle and livelihoods system. This technology has the potential to strengthen the process of financial inclusion and its impact as well. In India, self-help groups-led microfinance programmes have achieved significant success in financial inclusion, livelihoods promotion, and women empowerment. The recent upsurge in the usage of digital technology has been changing the whole self-help group movement and has vast potential to enhance the welfare of women’s self-help groups in a variety of ways. Based on the studies and reports, the paper tries to elaborate on the latest developments in digital financial inclusion in the country and its impact on the lives and livelihoods of women SHGs. Studies have shown various positive outcomes along with challenges in adopting such new digital technology by women SHGs. The study also incorporates some important software applications that are being used in this process of digitalization. While capturing some emerging issues and challenges in the access of digital tools for financial inclusion, the paper suggests some innovative ways to strengthen this process of digital financial inclusion so that the women beneficiaries can achieve the desired targets of proper management of the groups, more transparent transactions, and promotion of livelihoods.  To acquire the maximum benefits of the digital revolution, the study suggests that there is a need to enhance the capacities of all stakeholders involved in this SHG movement.

               

KEYWORDS: Digital, Financial Inclusion, Self-Help Groups, Applications, Technology.


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