A Study on Digital Financial Inclusion in Uttarakhand with Reference to PMJDY & Digital Platforms

With an emphasis on the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Aadhaar integration, and digital payment platforms like BHIM/UPI, this study examines the advancements and difficulties of digital financial inclusion in Uttarakhand. Based on secondary data from official government portals, the RBI, and the NPCI through September 2023, the study identifies differences in financial access, usage, and quality by district. Particularly in urban and semi-urban areas like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, the results show notable advancements in financial outreach. Better infrastructure and digital literacy are evident in these areas, which have high volumes of digital transactions, account usage, and Aadhaar linkage. In contrast, hilly and isolated areas like Champawat, Bageshwar, and Rudraprayag lag because of inadequate infrastructure, sociocultural barriers, and poor connectivity. The study's conclusion urges targeted literacy campaigns, enhanced digital infrastructure, and region-specific interventions to guarantee inclusive and equitable financial empowerment throughout the state.