Financial Inclusiveness and Literacy Awareness of Fisherfolk in Kanyakumari District: An Empirical Study

The main aim of the study is to examine the financial inclusion of fisher folks in Kanyakumari district and determine the extent of financial literacy existing among them. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The data was collected from various sources to study the different objectives. The secondary data was gathered from published documents, books, theses, journals, periodicals, newspapers, internet sources, other reports, Government offices, and others. The primary data was collected from the fisher folks in Kanyakumari district. All the four taluks of Kanyakumari district have been chosen for the collection of primary data. Judgment sampling method was used to select appropriate respondents for the study. Thus, the study includes a sample of 75 respondents in Kanyakumari district. Financial inclusion among fisher folks through commercial banks is found to be less than the national average. An analysis of the number of loans availed by fisher folks shows a grim picture. The financial products and services have to be made more responsive to the needs of fisher folks. At the same time, financial literacy programmes must be made effective to make the fisher folks self-reliant in financial management and financial commitments.