Digital Pay Patashaala

Building financial confidence and digital access for women from low-income communities

Timeline: September 2018 – September 2020 | Location: Hyderabad, India

Context: Bridging the Digital Divide

As India rapidly transitions toward digital financial systems, access alone does not guarantee inclusion. For many women from low-income households, especially those in the informal sector, digital banking remains unfamiliar, inaccessible, or intimidating.

Despite increased bank account ownership, meaningful engagement with financial systems, saving, transacting, and planning, remains limited. Concerns around fraud, low digital literacy, and lack of trust further widen this gap.

Digital Pay Patashaala emerges from this reality, addressing not just access, but confidence, knowledge, and everyday usability.

Project Approach

Building on Yugantar’s earlier work in financial literacy, this programme focuses on practical, hands-on learning rooted in community contexts.

It works through peer-led training models, where women are not just participants but active learners and knowledge-sharers within their communities.

What We're Doing:

1. Financial Literacy & Digital Skills

Participants are introduced to essential financial concepts and digital tools, including:

Using bank accounts actively
Understanding digital payments (UPI, mobile banking, IVR systems)
Managing savings and day-to-day financial decisions

2. Safe Digital Practices

A key focus is building awareness around financial safety:

Identifying common scams
Protecting personal and banking information
Understanding safe transaction practices

3. Community-Based Learning

Training is delivered through small group sessions using:

Interactive modules
Visual tools and demonstrations
Real-life scenarios and problem-solving exercises

This ensures learning is accessible, relatable, and immediately usable.

4. Peer Support & Continuity

Participants are encouraged to share knowledge within their households and neighbourhoods, creating a ripple effect of awareness and confidence.

What’s Changing

Increased confidence in using banking and digital payment systems
Greater awareness of financial risks and safety practices
Improved ability to manage everyday financial transactions
Growing peer networks for shared learning and support

Why This Matters

Digital inclusion is not just about technology, it is about agency.

For many women, the ability to independently access and manage money is closely tied to dignity, decision-making power, and long-term security. By building financial confidence at the community level, Digital Pay Patashaala contributes to more inclusive and equitable systems.