Financial inclusion and empowerment of weaker sections of the society – a case study of Mysore district

An attempt is made in this paper is to analyse the implications of financial inclusion on empowerment of weaker sections in Mysore district. The weaker sections of the society can be remedied only by a combination of measures. Free and compulsory elementary education, indeed quality education, is the most important. Facilities need to be provided to ensure that talented children belonging to these communities achieve their full potential and grow to become top professionals and administrators. Education alone, however, will not go very far. Much of the opportunities and prospects of employment of the educated members of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes are in public- services. Private sector has not responded with the needed understanding. It needs to cooperate in the improvement of socio-economic condition of the people especially those belonging to the weaker sections of the society. It ought to contribute in the areas of advancement of education, health and in provision of employment opportunities for the weaker section of the people including the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes. Services in Government can provide for only a very small percentage of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and the Backward Classes. But that will be symbolic of their empowerment and assures a sense of participation and share in governance. Sincere efforts need to be made to fulfill the constitutional mandate of adequate representation for Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes in public services. Asset building, easy credit from banks, providing land for agriculture, augmentation of irrigational facilities is equally important.