I came across a reference to a paper that was written in the 1800s (in Dublin), where the researcher attempted to help the poor in his neighborhood by employing them in spinning linen-yarn. He reflects on some of the limitations … Read More
MBVF and MFI: Similar yet Different?
Keen readers of microfinance blogs might recall David Roodman making this postawhile back on a quasi-experimental evaluation of Microcredit provision in Thailand where Kaboski & Townsend used an exogenous policy initiative, the “Million Baht Village Fund (MBVF)”, as a proxy … Read More
Savings Dilemma
We often come across people who say that they are not earning enough to save or do not see how a savings account would help them. More often than not, as laymen we believe the story and even empathise with … Read More
Short-Sighted on Regulation?
A look at most news channels and even the financial news channels may not be a pleasant experience these days. The word ‘crisis’ has become a very commonly used word. Much of it has been reported, the question remains as … Read More
Map of Microfinance Distribution in India
If you are interested in understanding financial inclusion in India, have you ever wondered about the penetration of financial services in India at state-wide or district-wide level? Have you ever wished to explore this penetration across various demographic and socio-economic … Read More
Microfinance Bill- Frequently Asked Questions
Union Cabinet has recently cleared the Microfinance Bill and the bill is now introduced in Lok Sabha. If approved, the microfinance bill will take MFIs outside the purview of state-level legislation and make the central bank to regulate the sector. … Read More
Saved by the Bill?
SKS has shut down branches in Andhra Pradesh and according to Times of India article, “1200 people will lose jobs”- apart from millions of clients losing their credit source. My intention is not to argue on behalf of SKS by … Read More
Funding to the Microfinance Sector: Review of Options
The Indian microfinance sector has seen a series of rapid changes in the past decade. The sector grew rapidly in the period 2004-2009, with an average increase in number of clients year-on-year being 91%, while size of portfolio outstanding grew … Read More
Involving Students in Social Science Experiments
The development sector in India has been a vibrant scene – many private and public institutions are engaged in efforts to raise the living standards of the rural poor. From non-profit organizations offering financial services to for-profit social enterprises, India … Read More
How are Farmers Insured? Thoughts for the Next Time you Purchase Rice
“Do you want rice that is 40Rs/KL, 50Rs/KL, or 60Rs/KL?” A relatively simple question that we, as consumers, face when purchasing rice at a local store. But have we considered how the farmer decides which variety of rice to … Read More