Take stock of financial well-being

This article explores the significance of financial inclusion in determining the financial well-being of Indian households. It discusses a measurement framework developed by Dvara Research and xKDR Forum, focusing on access to and usage of financial products, and financial well-being. Our results from collaborative research with financial service providers shed light on the framework's applicability and its relationship with improved financial outcomes.

There is consensus about the importance of financial inclusion. This has translated into efforts to increase the level of financial access from the financial sector firms as well as through policy initiatives. Among the financial sector initiatives, the most visible has been the growth of the FinTech platforms.

Despite significant policy support for financial inclusion, there is little evidence about what has been achieved by way of knowing which households and individuals are financially included, or what is the impact of such inclusion on these persons.

The Inclusive Finance India Report is a comprehensive and well-researched account on cumulative progress made in India toward reaching the ambitious goal of universal financial inclusion.

As an impact metric, it is relevant for financial inclusion and other development programmes

In this paper, we review the literature on what constitutes financial well-being of a household and how it can be visualised as the outcome of financial inclusion. If financial well-being can be measured accurately, it can guide both policy makers and financial service providers on what and where are the gaps in how finance can improve the lives of their customers.