The study aims to measure the effectiveness of the project management information system (PMIS) and its impact on financial wellness in rural areas. The study uses DeLone and McLean’s updated information success model to measure the net impacts of the PMIS on the community. The dynamics between the PMIS and financial wellness have not yet been clarified, as the available literature on the concerned domain is very limited; thus, further research is required to report the effect of the PMIS on financial wellness. A total of 628 samples were analyzed from 666 collected through structured questionnaires and stratified sampling from 21 hill blocks from the hills of Uttarakhand. Exploratory-confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were both conducted using SPSS and AMOS. The study found that PMIS quality, information quality, and service quality are significantly important for the PMIS, and its impact on the net benefits derived from PMIS was studied. The results also reveal that the net benefits of the system impact the financial behavior and financial attitudes of SHGs and cooperative members, consequently significantly impacting financial wellness. This study proposes and tests the information system (IS) financial wellness (FW) model for community-based development programs in the lines of the logical framework approach and the stimulus-organism-response framework.

The study examines significant contributors to financial wellness for rural households in the hill districts of Uttarakhand. The study takes a sample of 666 respondents through multi-stage stratified random sampling from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Cooperatives members, and all are small and marginal farmers. A field survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Except for financial knowledge and numeracy, all other constructs, such as cash management, savings behavior, risk-credit management, financial attitudes, and financial wellness, were measured on a seven-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were conducted on 628 valid samples using SPSS 23 and AMOS 23. The results from the analysis revealed that cash management, savings behavior, and financial attitudes significantly contribute to financial wellness. The study found that households have the reasonable financial knowledge and financial numeracy skills. The study also found that savings behavior has a mediating effect on the relationship between cash management and financial wellness. The study is useful for rural development stakeholders and policymakers to strategically focus on financial inclusion programs. JEL Classification Codes: D14, G51, G52, G53, I30.