This exploratory research study aims to map and analyse the various value chains that low-income consumers and merchants transact in, to identify strategies for promoting digitisation. … Read More
Projects
Productivity and Competition in India’s Brick Industry
This study examines the underlying role of financial misallocation in driving productivity dispersion, in India’s brick industry. … Read More
Measurement of Latrine Use in Rural India
This study presents evidence from a measurement study on reported latrine use rates using alternative framing of questions to better identify indicators that accurately measure latrine use and support large-scale sanitation programmes. … Read More
Usage and Cross-Usage of Digital Financial Services across Agri Value Chains
With low digital literacy a major obstacle in achieving digital financial inclusivity, very little concern has gone towards the usability of digital financial services/products. This study examines the factors that influence the usability of digital products designed for farmers. … Read More
Review of BMGF/DFID Partnership Cities Project
This study reviews the outcomes of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMFG)/UK Department of International Development (DfID) initiated partnership to promote private sector engagement in non-networked sanitation and improve capabilities of sanitation service authorities to govern these partnerships. … Read More
Setting Up a Registered Chit Fund for Underserved Small Businesses and Low-Income Households: Rural and Urban Areas
This study examines the Chit Fund model in India and tests the viability of running a rural chit scheme by setting up and comparing the costs of running rural and urban chit schemes. … Read More
Understanding the Effects of De-Legalisation on Bank Account Holders
This study provides insights into the impacts of demonetization among low-income bank account holders and their change in behaviour, attitudes, and perceptions towards digital payments. … Read More
What is Effective Human Touch as India Transitions to a Digital Age?
In the context of an increasing thrust on digital financial inclusion in India, this study examines the role of human touch points in assisting clients from low-income households in transitioning to digital financial services. … Read More
Market Access and Enterprise Readiness of Women-led Businesses – Handicrafts and Handlooms
This study aims to understand market access and enterprise readiness among women entrepreneurs in the handicrafts and handlooms sector in order to identify impediments to a more enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem for them. … Read More
The Impact of Access to Finance in Rural Tamil Nadu: Evidence From a Randomized Control Trial
Using an experimental approach, this study evaluates the impact of a formal financial service delivery model – Kshetriya Grameen Financial Services (KGFS) – on rural households in Tamil Nadu. … Read More