MICRO FINANCE AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Abstract

Indian agriculture sector experiences vicious circle of poverty which decelerate economic growth . Financial exclusion is one of the main reason of it. In India marginals and weaker sections are excluded from main stream of the economy. To achieve sustainable development, all sections of the people need to be come into main stream. This study is an attempt to understand the concept of financial inclusion, financial inclusion in India and micro finance. RBI defines “Financial Inclusion is the process of ensuring access to appropriate financial products and services needed by all sections of the society in general and vulnerable groups such as weaker sections and low income groups in particular at an affordable cost in a fair and transparent manner by mainstream institutional players” .The present study also tries to understand how micro finance lending facilitates the acceleration of financial inclusion. Micro finance lending is a strong weapon of financial inclusion. Micro credit provided by banks emerged as a major policy tool of financial assistance in the rural credit, particularly to the poor sections of the society. Micro finance by providing small loans and savings facilities to those who have been excluded from other formal services, acting as a key strategy for reducing poverty and discrimination. Inclusive development means empowerment of weaker sections, SC/STs and women. In this context  “financial inclusion “ owns its significance.