Purpose The study aims to examine the factors influencing financial inclusion among rural households in the Barak Valley region of Assam. Design/methodology/approach A multi-stage sampling design was used to gather data using a structured interview schedule. The study employed beta regression to analyse the factors influencing financial inclusion among rural households, accounting for both traditional and digital aspects. Findings Beta regression analysis reveals that education, income, permanent employment and proximity to bank branches exert a statistically significant positive influence on overall financial inclusion, whereas age has a significant negative impact. For traditional financial inclusion, these factors, along with self-help group (SHG) membership, demonstrate a significant positive effect. In contrast, while age, education, closer proximity, income and religion positively determine digital financial inclusion, SHG membership has a significant adverse effect in this digital context. Practical implications The study contributes to the literature by empirically identifying the socio-economic and demographic determinants of traditional and digital financial inclusion among under-researched rural households in the Barak Valley region of Assam. Originality/value The present study contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed, region-specific analysis of the factors influencing financial inclusion among rural households in the Barak Valley of Assam, a relatively under-researched area in empirical studies. By examining socio-economic and demographic factors, the study offers a contextual understanding of how financial inclusion is affected by local realities, including income levels, education, distance to financial institutions and other factors.
Debnath et al. (Wed,) studied this question.