Utilisation of Banking Services by Tribals – A Blockwise Analysis of Idukki District

Abstract

Banking services should be available to the entire population of the economy without discrimination. The access to using banking services is considered as a universal need as it is fundamental to enable full participation in economic and social welfare. The objective of the study is to assess the utilization of retail banking services by the tribals of eight blocks in the Idukki District, Kerala. This paper focuses on the utilization of banking services was measured in terms of small savings, Affordable rate of interest on loans, Availability of government schemes purchase/payments made by using credit /debit cards and visit to bank frequently for deposits/withdrawals .The primary survey conducted in eight blocks of Idukki district forms the basis of the Analysis. The real inclusive growth not only requires to bring people into banking population but to make sure the awar eness of the financial services reaches to all tribal societies, poor and uneducated people, so that the main objectives of improving their standard of living can be achieved. Financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity.