The Impact of Doorstep Banking of India Post Payments Bank on Financial Inclusion Among Geriatric and Differently- Abled Populations in Rural India

Financial inclusion, a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth, remains a persistent challenge in India, particularly for vulnerable demographics in rural areas. The geriatric and differently-abled populations face compounded barriers to financial services, including physical immobility, low digital literacy, and a lack of accessible infrastructure. The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), launched in 2018, introduced a disruptive model centered on doorstep banking, leveraging the vast and trusted network of the India Post. This paper employs a qualitative, systematic review of academic literature, government reports, and industry data to analyze the impact of IPPB’s doorstep banking services on financial inclusion for the geriatric and differently abled in rural India. The analysis finds that IPPB’s model, operated primarily by Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) acting as banking correspondents, significantly mitigates physical and psychological barriers to banking. It enhances accessibility, fosters trust through a human-centric interface, and facilitates the seamless receipt of government benefits, thereby empowering these marginalized groups. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges, including the limited scope of doorstep services, operational dependencies on digital connectivity, the need for enhanced agent training, and the paradox of digital literacy that may still hinder full utilization. The paper concludes that while IPPB’s doorstep banking represents a paradigm shift in reaching the ‘last mile,’ its transformative potential can be fully realized only through strategic policy interventions aimed at expanding service depth, investing in rural digital infrastructure, and designing specialized financial products tailored to the unique needs of these populations. This research contributes to the discourse on innovative financial inclusion strategies by providing a focused analysis of a public sector initiative targeting one of the most excluded segments of society.