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?
LEAD Research Team | June 21, 2012
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
Deepti KC | May 25, 2012
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
Jayshree Venkatesan, Vineet Sukumar | May 11, 2012
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
Deepti KC | April 30, 2012
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
Surabhi Agarwal | April 12, 2012
“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
A Better Harvest for Indian Farmers – Just a Phone Call Away?
Tanaya Devi | April 9, 2012
A new CMF study explores the potential of a new mobile agricultural extension service to improve farming techniques. The Indian government has willingly implemented agricultural demonstrations as a method to develop farming knowledge and techniques. It spent $60 million … Read More
India’s New Poverty Numbers
Shardul Oza | March 22, 2012
The Planning Commission has released new poverty estimates for the country, showing that the percentage of people living below the poverty line poor fell from from 37% to 29.8% from 2004-2005 to 2009-2010. According to the Commission, the fall is … Read More