Summary

Survey data from Saidbhar village reveals that 75% of women have never used digital payments—not due to lack of access, but lack of knowledge. 40% of non-users cite 'don't know how to use apps' as the primary barrier, highlighting a critical training opportunity.

Impact at a Glance

The Challenge

Despite 70% of women having bank accounts and 80% of families having internet access, only 25% use digital payments. The barrier isn't infrastructure—it's confidence and knowledge. 40% cite not knowing how to use apps, 20% fear making mistakes, and 25% prefer cash due to unfamiliarity with digital systems.

Our Approach

Survey Sakhi identified this knowledge gap through door-to-door surveys of women. The data revealed that training—not technology access—is the solution. With 90% willing to participate in local training and 98% preferring group learning, community-based digital literacy programs can unlock financial inclusion.

Implementation

Survey Sakhi data collectors conducted comprehensive financial inclusion surveys across 92 households in Saidbhar village. The survey included detailed questions about bank account ownership, digital payment usage, barriers to adoption, and training preferences. Data was collected through one-on-one conversations in Hindi, ensuring women felt comfortable sharing their fears and concerns about digital financial tools. The findings were compiled into a structured dataset revealing the 40% knowledge gap as the primary barrier.

Results & Impact

The survey quantified the digital payment gap: 75% of women have never used UPI despite 70% having bank accounts and 45% owning smartphones. Critically, 40% identified 'not knowing how to use apps' as the main barrier, not lack of access or trust issues. This finding shifts the intervention strategy from infrastructure development to skills training. The data also revealed high training receptivity: 90% would join local programs, and 98% prefer group learning, providing a clear implementation roadmap for financial inclusion initiatives.

Lessons Learned

The research revealed that digital financial inclusion barriers are primarily educational, not technological. Fear of mistakes (20%) indicates a need for safe practice environments in training. The 25% who prefer cash aren't technophobic—they simply lack exposure to digital payment benefits. Women's 45% smartphone ownership rate is rising, creating a window of opportunity for intervention. The 98% preference for group learning suggests that peer support reduces anxiety about technology adoption. Finally, the 40% knowledge gap is addressable through targeted, community-based training programs.

Looking Forward

Based on these findings, DigiSam Foundation will launch a pilot Digital Payments Training Program targeting 25-30 women in Saidbhar. The curriculum will focus on UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), emphasizing hands-on practice with small transactions to build confidence. Training will be conducted in group settings at the village community center, leveraging the 98% group learning preference. We'll partner with local banks to provide supervised practice sessions. Success metrics include: 70% of participants completing at least 5 digital transactions within 3 months, and reduction in fear of mistakes from 20% to under 5%.