Abstract
This study examines the demand-side factors of financial inclusion and the gender disparity that persists in remote hilly regions of India, with empirical evidence drawn from 400 respondents in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a multistage stratified random sampling approach to ensure representation across diverse demographic groups. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the influence of key socio-economic determinants on levels of financial inclusion. The findings indicate the presence of significant gender-based differences in financial participation, with women encountering greater barriers to access and usage of formal financial services compared to men. Beyond gender, variables such as age, education, income, employment status, and marital status emerged as important predictors shaping financial inclusion outcomes. Notably, the study underscores the increasing role of digital financial services and transaction modes in altering financial behaviour, even within geographically challenging and underserved regions like Uttarkashi. These results not only enrich the growing body of literature on financial inclusion but also offer practical insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies striving to create inclusive and gender-sensitive financial ecosystems. The evidence suggests that targeted interventions, enhanced financial literacy, and customized delivery mechanisms are essential for bridging existing gaps. By focusing on a remote and marginalized hilly district, this research contributes a unique perspective to the discourse on inclusive finance and highlights the urgent need for context-specific strategies to promote equitable financial inclusion.
Keywords: Borrowing, Digital Transaction, Financial Inclusion, Gender Gap, Logistic Regression.