DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL TRANSFORMATION EXAMINING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN SINGAR VILLAGE, RAJASTHAN

Abstract

Rural transformation is one of the major components of sustainable development, and digital financial inclusion can enhance economic opportunities, decrease inequalities and increase livelihood resilience. In India, significant progress was made in terms of access to formal finance and payment systems. However, the use of digital financial technologies by the rural population remains uneven due to various socio-economic, behavioural, institutional and infrastructural constraints. This study aims to examine the factors that affect the adoption of digital finance and its role in the sustainable rural transformation in Singar Village in the state of Rajasthan. The theoretical framework is based on the integration of Technology Acceptance Model with digital proficiency, income, occupation, digital infrastructure, trust and perceived security, and government support. Cross-sectional, explanatory, and quantitative research design is suggested. Primary data will be obtained through the survey using structured questionnaires and secondary data will include official reports and scientific literature. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple regression, and where the sample permits, structural equation modeling will be used. Digital financial adoption is conceptualised as the mechanism through which favourable socio-economic and technological conditions may generate wider outcomes, including economic participation, improved access to financial services, livelihood opportunities, household financial resilience and social inclusion. The study is expected to provide village-level evidence for policymakers, banks, Gram Panchayat institutions, banking correspondents and digital-service providers seeking to strengthen rural digital ecosystems. It also contributes to the literature by connecting technology acceptance with measurable sustainable rural-development outcomes in a Rajasthan village context.