A STUDY ON ROLE OF MICROFINANCE AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN MADURAI CI

Special Issue - Innovative Commerce: Bridging Business and Computer Applications (ICBBCA-2026) |PG Department of Commerce with Computer Applications, Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College, Madurai – March 2026| International Journal of Computer Science (IJCS) Published by SK Research Group of Companies (SKRGC)

Abstract

Microfinance has emerged as an important instrument for promoting financial inclusion, particularly among low-income and underserved sections of society. Financial inclusion aims to ensure access to essential financial services such as savings, credit, insurance, and remittance facilities at affordable costs. In India, microfinance institutions and small finance banks play a crucial role in bridging the gap between formal financial systems and economically weaker groups. The present study focuses on analyzing the role of microfinance in enhancing financial inclusion, with special reference to Madurai city and Equitas Small Finance Bank. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature and is based entirely on secondary data collected from RBI and NABARD reports, Equitas Small Finance Bank annual reports, government publications, and research journals.

References

1. The official website of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provides detailed information on banking regulations, monetary policies, and financial inclusion initiatives. Available at: https://www.rbi.org.in
2. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) website offers resources related to rural development, microfinance, and agricultural credit systems. Available at: https://www.nabard.org
3. Information regarding financial policies, economic reforms, and government financial programs can be accessed through the Ministry of Finance, Government of India official portal.
4. The website of Equitas Small Finance Bank provides insights into banking services, financial inclusion programs, and microfinance activities. Available at: https://www.equitasbank.com
5. The World Bank website contains global research and reports on financial inclusion, microfinance, and economic development initiatives. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org

Keywords

Loan size, Repayment rate, Women beneficiaries, Income growth, and Microfinance services.