Surendra Kumar

Associate Professor, Department of Business Management, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Birla Campus Srinagar,Garhwal - (246174) (Uttarakhand) India

Manoj Rawat

Assistant Professor SOM & Commerce Studies Shri Guru Ram Rai University Dehradun

Shubham Goswami Giri

Research Scholar Department of Business Management, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University.

Abstract

The paper investigates the mutual fund ecosystem in Uttarakhand, India, focusing on investor behavior, preferences, and the constraints and opportunities within the region. By evaluating data from a sample of 516 respondents, the study intends to give insights for industry stakeholders to increase mutual fund penetration and financial inclusion in Uttarakhand. The research underlines the major significance of mutual funds in mobilizing household savings and fuelling economic growth, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. It identifies poor investor awareness, limited access to financial services, and cultural factors as important problems, underlining the need for focused measures to remove these hurdles. Through a systematic investigation of investor behavior and preferences, the study intends to reveal actionable insights for mutual fund houses, regulators, legislators, and financial intermediaries. By encouraging financial literacy, boosting investor awareness, and fostering inclusive growth initiatives, stakeholders can harness the full potential of mutual funds as a vehicle for wealth generation and economic development in Uttarakhand.

Keywords- Mutual Funds, Financial Inclusion, Business, Employment, Capital markets