Dr. Mohd. Umar Farukh, Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Commerce, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been conferred the Best Paper Award at the Kathmandu International Conference on “Innovative Practices for Accelerated Growth in Commerce, Management, Humanities, Science & Technology”. He is conducting his research under the supervision of Professor Nawab Ali Khan.
This recognition was awarded for Dr. Farukh’s research paper titled “FinTech Revolution in Rural India: A Study of Digital Financial Inclusion in Western Uttar Pradesh”, presented during the conference’s Online Technical Sessions.
Dr. Farukh’s study explores the transformative role of financial technology in reshaping the rural economy of Western Uttar Pradesh. It highlights how innovations such as mobile banking, UPI platforms, and Aadhaar-enabled payment systems have expanded access to formal financial services for previously unbanked and under-banked populations.
While acknowledging persistent challenges including digital illiteracy, infrastructural constraints, and cybersecurity concerns, the study underscores the impact of increasing smartphone penetration and government-led initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in driving digital financial inclusion.
Congratulating Dr. Farukh on his achievement, Professor Mohd. Asif Khan, Chairman, Department of Commerce and Dean, Faculty of Commerce, remarked, “This recognition brings pride to the and the University. It is a testament to the quality of research being carried out at AMU.”
