Financial Inclusion and Formal Savings
摘要
This chapter examines household saving behaviour within the broader framework of financial inclusion in India. Despite significant progress since 2014—particularly in expanding bank account ownership through initiatives such as the Jan Dhan Yojana—formal saving continues to be limited. Drawing on insights from the literature and nationally representative household-level data from the NSSO-AIDIS, the chapter investigates the factors influencing formal savings, with a specific focus on the role of education and bank infrastructure. The analysis also highlights how socio-economic characteristics and regional disparities shape saving behaviour, particularly among low-income and rural households. By exploring these dynamics, the chapter provides evidence on the barriers to active financial participation and offers insights to enhance formal savings among underserved populations.