This study examines the adoption of digital payments in India's informal sector following the 2016 demonetization. Using a mixed-method approach with 60 participants — vendors, small retailers, and daily wage earners from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, the research identifies key adoption determinants and their implications for financial inclusion. Findings show 88.3% of respondents use digital payments, with 71.7% transacting daily. While necessity drove initial adoption, sustained usage depends on ease of use, trust, and smartphone access. Targeted interventions in digital literacy and infrastructure are recommended.
Kumar et al. (2026) studied this question.