Abstract: This research investigates the effect of electronic payment systems (EPS) on financial inclusion within Medchal, Telangana. Employing a structured questionnaire for 105 locals, the study recorded demographic information, mobile internet facility, EPS usage patterns, reasons for transactions, ease of use, and inclusion feelings. Descriptive analyses revealed almost-universal bank account holding (96.2%) and mobile internet connection (96.2%), and 94.3% of the respondents used EPS regularly—mostly UPI (89.5%)—and 77.1% made daily digital payments. Although 82.9% confirmed that EPS made financial transactions easy and 94.3% felt included in the organized financial system, major hindrances still existed: network unreliability (64.8%), apprehension about fraud (51.4%), and low digital literacy (45.7%). Interestingly, 77.2% of users needed help for making transactions. Regression analysis found that assistance need was the only significant predictor of the perception of inclusion (p = 0.022), while education and access to mobile internet were not statistically significant. ANOVA results showed no significant difference in perceptions of inclusion between demographic groups (p = 0.839). The results emphasize the need for a twofold strategy: augmenting digital infrastructure and simplifying interfaces to consumers, coupled with localized support and literacy programs, to achieve equitable and sustainable financial inclusion using EPS in semi-urban Indian settings.

Keywords: electronic payment systems, financial inclusion, digital literacy, mobile internet access, UPI, support mechanisms.

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11360