The current research question examines the effectiveness of DCCB-SHG links to promote financial inclusion in the Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh. Although policy rhetoric has periodically reiterated the possibilities of Self-Help Groups and cooperative banking networks, there is limited empirical evidence that defines the role of DCCB-led SHG linkages on the household-level inclusion. The study uses a survey of 200 SHG members, where the survey is organised and executed in a way that assesses the effects of three main determinants, namely the Access to Credit, Savings Behaviour and Financial Literacy to the level of financial inclusion. Reliability diagnostics, normality and homoscedasticity diagnostics, multicollinearity diagnostics were performed to test the validity of the regression model.

The findings of simple linear regressions indicate that all the independent variables have a statistically significant positive impact on financial inclusion. The multiple-regression model (R 2 = 0.608) shows that there is a significant amount of variance in financial inclusion that is shared by the Access to Credit (b = 0.430), Savings Behaviour (b = 0.330) and Financial Literacy (b = 0.260) among SHG households. Diagnosis tests indicate that the main statistical assumptions are met, and the values of reliability (Cronbachs a10.7910.88) are acceptable, as well as the level of multicollinearity (VIF10.7910.88) and normality of residuals.

The results highlight that the successful DCCBSHG relationships are especially effective to improve the access, usage, and quality of financial services among rural women, which will build a robust financial inclusion ecosystem in Vizianagaram. This research suggests enhancing the credit delivery, increasing financial literacy programmes, and enhancing savings mobilisation systems in SHGs to enhance the inclusion effect. These observations can be useful guide to policymakers, cooperative banks and development agencies in the quest to achieve inclusive rural financial systems..,