Use of ICT is recommended irrespective of the computerisation levels in a bank - fully core banked or not. There are instances where banks have gone in for a separate financial inclusion servers with interface to their operational database. Several banks, in their RFP for appointing BCs, have also indicated that the PoS device generally used for field transactions may be acquired by the BCs themselves and installed. As the business case needs to be established before investing, the BCs would look for the income generation potential of such a venture. For example, the revenue model, services that may be offered in addition to basic banking, etc. Here comes the importance of credit plus services for all the parties involved - the BCs, banks and above all, the people. Tie-ups with e-governance initiatives like provision of expert advice on farm/non-farm activities, weather forecast, local mandi prices, land records, etc. are just a few of them. There are some excellent efforts undertaken for computerisation of PACS and these may also act as BCs. As the market is huge, there is space for every one which would promote healthy competition and evolution of several new business models.

What could be illustrations of a viable business model for financial inclusion?

Considering that most of the target people seldom get out of their place, is there any need for open standards for financial inclusion technologies?