Published Paper Details:

This paper explores the intricate relationship between poverty alleviation, credit availability, and rural development in the context of the Indian banking sector. Drawing on historical and policy-driven interventions such as the nationalization of banks (1969) and subsequent rural banking reforms, this paper highlights how financial inclusion initiatives have influenced rural development trajectories. Using data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), and World Bank reports up to the year 2012, the analysis underscores the role of credit as a critical poverty reduction tool by enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering small-scale industries. While significant progress has been made since the 1990s, challenges such as regional disparities, lack of access among marginalized groups, and over-reliance on informal lending networks persist. The paper concludes by recommending actionable strategies for banking institutions to intensify financial inclusivity and impact rural poverty effectively.