From Access to Empowerment: Digital Financial Inclusion and Marginalized Communities in the Era of Amrit Kaal

Abstract

The vision of Amrit Kaal represents India’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development as the nation approaches its centenary in 2047. Digital financial inclusion has emerged as a key policy instrument to achieve this vision by expanding access to formal financial services through digital platforms. While initiatives such as the Jan Dhan– Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have significantly increased financial access, marginalized communities continue to face barriers in translating access into meaningful empowerment. This paper examines the nature of the digital divide in India, analyzes challenges faced by marginalized groups in adopting digital financial services, and proposes policy measures to ensure inclusive and empowerment-oriented digital finance in the era of Amrit Kaal.