Description

The success of microfinance in the last three decades has shown that if given adequate infrastructural and governmental aid, the poor can be bankable. Microfinance and Financial Inclusion in India traces the origin of microfinance in India and examines its growth, delivery and institutional models, and the challenges it faces. It advocates more engagement with the poor clientele through an appropriate product and process mix that could contribute meaningfully to India's economic development. The book also looks into the trailblazing initiatives launched by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to promote microfinance and inclusive banking services. It explores self-help groups and joint liability groups that can leverage social capital to support microentrepreneurs and small farmers with adequate and timely institutional credit. This book captures the fascinating journey of Indian microfinance by delving into NABARD's work, the use of technology to transform banking for the poor and the dream of universal financial access.