Digital Divide: 40,552 Women Struggle with India’s Payment System Due to Trust Issues
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Employment & inclusive growth· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
A Yugantar study highlights that trust and social norms, rather than just technology access, are the primary barriers for low-income women in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh adopting digital payments.
Background
The study by Yugantar (published by Springer Nature) surveyed 40,552 women from low-income households in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh between 2023 and 2025. It identified three distinct trajectories: users, non-users facing structural barriers, and those rejecting UPI due to distrust.
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe study surveyed 40,552 women across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
- S&TUPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system developed by NPCI.
- PlaceThe study specifically focused on the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how socio-cultural barriers and trust deficits hinder the financial inclusion of women in India's digital economy. Suggest measures to bridge this digital divide.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- socio-cultural barriers
- trust deficit in fintech
- gendered digital divide
- financial literacy initiatives
Keywords: digital divide · financial inclusion · socio-cultural norms · trust deficit · gendered barriers
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