This paper sheds light on the heterogeneity in the way that entrepreneurs from different communities conduct their business and the importance of community ties on the business dealings of entrepreneurs.
Publications
Impact of a Grace Period in Microfinance Loan Contracts
This policy note presents insights from a study that examines the impact of introducing flexibility into microfinance repayment schedules, specifically through adding a two-month grace period.
Microfinance and Social Capital
This brief presents preliminary insights from a study in peri-urban of Kolkata on the role of social capital in group lending models.
Equity Investment in Indian Microfinance: A Guide for Practitioners
In this paper, the authors document the recent rise in equity investment in Indian microfinance and describe the process of obtaining equity financing and working with investors in detail. The authors also briefly describe two new alternative methods of financing … Read More
India Pollution Map – A Backgrounder for Users
The Pollution Map developed at the Centre for Development Finance (CDF) endeavours to support more meaningful tracking of environmental change by creating a repository of pollution monitoring data to capture and disseminate information to civil society in asystematic and user-friendly … Read More
The REDD Path to Forest Conservation
Forest conservation through REDD projects can achieve a measure of success by giving ownership rights and economic incentives to indigenous communities. This brief examines the policy and implementation framework for such an approach, provides recommendations for the way forward.
Empowering Villages: A Comparative Analysis of Desi Power and Husk Power Systems
With nearly 70% of India’s population living in rural areas, many households still do not have access to affordable and reliable sources of electricity. This lack of access hampers households income generation capacity as well as their ability to use … Read More
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan – Scheme Brief
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is a comprehensive plan to provide free education to all children in the age group 6-14 years. It was launched in 2001 with an initial outlay of Rs.7000 crore. This brief presents the salient features of … Read More
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY): Scheme Brief
Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) is an employment generation programme that provides income-generating assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy. In 1999, SGSY replaced Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), the government’s flagship programme on rural development, integrated … Read More
Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojana (SGRY): Scheme Brief
Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojana (SGRY) provided wage employment and food security, by undertaking labour-intensive work in rural areas and contributes to the creation of durable community assets. Wages were paid as a combination of foodgrains and cash. In 2008, the … Read More