An Empirical Study on Awareness about the usage of Online payments among rural and semi urban women in Dindigul and Surrounding Regions, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

In contemporary India, women whether employed or homemakers groutine‑ly shoulder multifaceted responsibilities that demand extensive time for financial chores such as paying gas, electricity, water, taxes, groceries, milk, rent, loan installments, and other bills. This relentless schedule curtails personal care, strains childcare, and generates considerable stress, thereby diminishing overall quality of life. The advent of digital payment platforms—including banking codes, point‑of‑sale terminals, internet banking, UPI, mobile banking, AEPS, micro‑ATMs, and BHIM—offers a trans-formative solution by enabling 24/7, faceless, cash transactions that can be executed swiftly from home or work.

Despite the proliferation of these tools, rural and semi‑urban women often remain unaware of their availability and usage, resulting in continued reliance on time‑consuming cash‑based methods. Bridging this awareness gap is essential to empower women economically and socially, reduce daily stress, and foster inclusive growth.

This study therefore investigates the current level of awareness and adoption of digital payment mechanisms among rural and semi‑urban women in a selected district. A structured questionnaire administered through direct interviews will collect data from a sample of 150 women, proportionately drawn from both rural and semi‑urban locales. The research seeks to: (i) assess the extent of awareness regarding various digital payment options; (ii) identify barriers to adoption such as limited digital literacy, infrastructural constraints, and perceived security concerns; and (iii) Analyse the factors influence in the usage of online payment system

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Anticipated findings will inform policy makers and financial institutions about targeted strategies—like community workshops, mobile literacy vans, and simplified on boarding processes—to accelerate digital inclusion. Ultimately, enhancing digital literacy among these women promises not only operational efficiency but also a Women to become a Empowering Women, broader societal shift toward a more equitable, cash‑less economy.