This research paper examines the nature of changes in the delivery of financial services due to the adoption of information technology (IT) in private sector banks operating in Pune district during the period from 2018 to 2023, and how this has led to the economic empowerment of tribal women entrepreneurs. Although innovations in information technology such as digital banking, mobile applications, biometric authentication, digital wallets, and digital lending have facilitated access to credit and banking services, there is insufficient research on their impact on marginalized and underprivileged groups-particularly tribal women. Using mixed methods based on interviews, surveys, questionnaires, and secondary data, we conclude that information technology-based services have significantly increased financial inclusion, reduced the cost of financial transactions, and created new entrepreneurial opportunities. However, significant challenges such as a lack of digital literacy, limited infrastructure, social exclusion, and gender barriers persist. These findings underscore the need for targeted information technology literacy training, customized financial products and resources, and public-private partnerships to fully achieve the economic empowerment of tribal women.
Gaikwad et al. (Fri,) studied this question.