A STUDY ON IMPACT OF UPI DIGITAL PAYMENT PLATFORMS ON THE FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF STREET VENDORS IN URBAN INDIA

This study investigates the role of digital payment systems, particularly the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in advancing financial inclusion among urban street vendors in India’s informal economy. Utilizing a structured quantitative survey of 300 vendors, the research assesses the extent to which UPI usage influences daily transactions, savings habits, credit access, and digital competency. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and paired t-tests, reveal that while UPI adoption is widespread and gender-neutral, it does not significantly enhance savings behaviour or digital literacy over time. These findings underscore the distinction between adoption and meaningful usage, suggesting that structural challenges such as limited digital skills and infrastructural constraints hinder deeper financial integration. By centering micro-entrepreneurs in urban settings, this study addresses a critical gap in digital inclusion literature and calls for targeted interventions—such as digital literacy programs and localized user support—to transform digital access into long-term financial empowerment. Keywords: Digital Payment Adoption, Financial Inclusion, Urban Street Vendors, Digital Competency, Informal Economy, Financial Behavior, UPI Usage, Micro-Entrepreneurs.