The Milaap team visited GUARDIAN, a microfinance institution focused on water and sanitation financing located in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. GUARDIAN was incorporated in 2007 to provide financing for water and sanitation projects, making it the only MFI in India dedicated solely to this purpose. Over the past three years, GUARDIAN has disbursed over $1 million in loans benefiting 8,000 borrowers through 1,400 self-help groups. GUARDIAN has developed standardized processes for water and sanitation loans while maintaining close community connections to understand local needs and constraints. As the organization looks to scale its operations and social impact, continued access to funding sources will be important.
Knocking out Poverty with Peer-to-Peer LendingThoughtBerg FSP
Ram sharing about RangDe's work in Knocking out Poverty with Peer-to-Peer Lending using micro-credit at 2010 ThoughtBerg's Campus Ambassadors boot-camp
Presentation given by Suryoday Micro-finance (www.suryodaymf.com) at "Get Started and Make an Impact" a speed networking event organized by Net Impact Pune (www.nipune.org) to enable professionals to learn, network and contribute to various social organizations.
Knocking out Poverty with Peer-to-Peer LendingThoughtBerg FSP
Ram sharing about RangDe's work in Knocking out Poverty with Peer-to-Peer Lending using micro-credit at 2010 ThoughtBerg's Campus Ambassadors boot-camp
Presentation given by Suryoday Micro-finance (www.suryodaymf.com) at "Get Started and Make an Impact" a speed networking event organized by Net Impact Pune (www.nipune.org) to enable professionals to learn, network and contribute to various social organizations.
Fiinovation - Innovative Financial Advisors Pvt. Ltd. is an organization working in the social development sector to help the NGOs in project conceptualization and resource mobilization.
United Way Chennai Annual Report 2018-19ShrutiGanesh1
United Way Chennai is not a one-cause organization. While our primary focus is disability, we aim to identify the most persisting problems that plague our community and we bring together all the key stakeholders including the Government, corporates, technical experts and NGOs to provide lasting solutions to the problem.
These multi-faceted, value-driven 360-degree partnerships are the bedrock to our successful, systematic and sustainable social interventions.
The composition of our board is a reflection of this philosophy comprising of leaders from diverse backgrounds and whose expertise is instrumental in driving lasting impact in the communities.
This report is an overview of the CSR projects, volunteering initiatives and fundraising events we undertook in the last financial year.
Microfinance and Entrepreneurship DevelopmentIJLT EMAS
The roots of Microfinance were seen in the 19th century but these little roots took the shape of trees in the 20th century. These trees were grown by a very famous personality named Prof. Mohammed Yunus. He won noble prize for this work. He was very much moved emotionally by seeing the financially poor condition of his countrymen and that emotional outlet was in form of Microfinance under Grameen Model for the development and poverty alleviation and uplifting the standard of living of his countrymen. Seeing this tree grow many nations all over the world thought of joining hands and to make theses scattered trees grow into a dense forest. And their efforts really started bearing fruits on these trees. In the same time NABARD (National Bank for agricultural and Rural Development) took the initiative to bring the same changes in the rural areas of India. And as the time moved further the gloomy faces of people started changing into the smiling faces as slowly and steadily money started rolling into their hands and they started to move out of the clutches of money lenders. “Microfinance in India works under 4 major models a) Self Help Group b) Grameen Model c) Joint Liability Group d) Co-operative society”- [1]
Microfinance Institutions are in great favor of lending money to female category of the society because they feel the female fraternity is very much sensitive towards their family so they work hard order to repay the loan amount well in time. Microfinance works at the very root level so the major economic disturbances like the issue of 2007 and 2011 does not have the impact on economic life of the citizen of nation. Microfinance has the major role to play in the flagship programme of government of India started by Sh. Narendera Modi for example skill India, Start-up India, Make In India.
And a place to link the major 4M’s of a business to give a start to some kind of Manufacturing and Selling is known an Enterprise and the person who links all these 4M’s in such a manner that maximum return can be generated through operational activity of an Enterprise is known as an Entrepreneur. The process of developing and making a positive growth in enterprise, entrepreneur and ultimately the society is known as Entrepreneurship. And when there is an increment in entrepreneurial skills and knowledge through some structured training is known as Entrepreneurship Development. “The best example of Entrepreneurial Success is Dhirubhai ambani-founder of Reliance Group and also according to the report of NSSO out of every 1000 Indians 250 are self employed ”[2]
The KASHF microfinance bank study case for Customer Socias Responsibility (CSR)
Woman have shown how they can achieve goals little guidence and assitance
Fiinovation - Innovative Financial Advisors Pvt. Ltd. is an organization working in the social development sector to help the NGOs in project conceptualization and resource mobilization.
United Way Chennai Annual Report 2018-19ShrutiGanesh1
United Way Chennai is not a one-cause organization. While our primary focus is disability, we aim to identify the most persisting problems that plague our community and we bring together all the key stakeholders including the Government, corporates, technical experts and NGOs to provide lasting solutions to the problem.
These multi-faceted, value-driven 360-degree partnerships are the bedrock to our successful, systematic and sustainable social interventions.
The composition of our board is a reflection of this philosophy comprising of leaders from diverse backgrounds and whose expertise is instrumental in driving lasting impact in the communities.
This report is an overview of the CSR projects, volunteering initiatives and fundraising events we undertook in the last financial year.
Microfinance and Entrepreneurship DevelopmentIJLT EMAS
The roots of Microfinance were seen in the 19th century but these little roots took the shape of trees in the 20th century. These trees were grown by a very famous personality named Prof. Mohammed Yunus. He won noble prize for this work. He was very much moved emotionally by seeing the financially poor condition of his countrymen and that emotional outlet was in form of Microfinance under Grameen Model for the development and poverty alleviation and uplifting the standard of living of his countrymen. Seeing this tree grow many nations all over the world thought of joining hands and to make theses scattered trees grow into a dense forest. And their efforts really started bearing fruits on these trees. In the same time NABARD (National Bank for agricultural and Rural Development) took the initiative to bring the same changes in the rural areas of India. And as the time moved further the gloomy faces of people started changing into the smiling faces as slowly and steadily money started rolling into their hands and they started to move out of the clutches of money lenders. “Microfinance in India works under 4 major models a) Self Help Group b) Grameen Model c) Joint Liability Group d) Co-operative society”- [1]
Microfinance Institutions are in great favor of lending money to female category of the society because they feel the female fraternity is very much sensitive towards their family so they work hard order to repay the loan amount well in time. Microfinance works at the very root level so the major economic disturbances like the issue of 2007 and 2011 does not have the impact on economic life of the citizen of nation. Microfinance has the major role to play in the flagship programme of government of India started by Sh. Narendera Modi for example skill India, Start-up India, Make In India.
And a place to link the major 4M’s of a business to give a start to some kind of Manufacturing and Selling is known an Enterprise and the person who links all these 4M’s in such a manner that maximum return can be generated through operational activity of an Enterprise is known as an Entrepreneur. The process of developing and making a positive growth in enterprise, entrepreneur and ultimately the society is known as Entrepreneurship. And when there is an increment in entrepreneurial skills and knowledge through some structured training is known as Entrepreneurship Development. “The best example of Entrepreneurial Success is Dhirubhai ambani-founder of Reliance Group and also according to the report of NSSO out of every 1000 Indians 250 are self employed ”[2]
The KASHF microfinance bank study case for Customer Socias Responsibility (CSR)
Woman have shown how they can achieve goals little guidence and assitance
A Study on Sustainability and Coping Ability of SHGS Members with Special Ref...ijtsrd
Micro finance in general is a practice of providing the poor with credit, savings and insurance facilities to set up or to expand Income generating activities relating to agriculture and its allied activities and non farm sector and thereby reducing poverty. In India, the history of Micro Finance, rural credit, and poverty alleviation are inextricably interwoven. Micro Finance has turned out to be a very useful development assistance product. It reached millions of poor people and emerged as a revolution. Over the past two decades of the Bank’s association, India’s SHG movement has evolved from small savings and credit groups that sought to empower poor rural women, into one of the world’s largest institutional platforms of the poor. Today, 67 million Indian women are members of 6 million SHGs. Presently SKDRDP is actively involved in implementing the financial inclusion plan of the government of India by working as Banking Correspondent and Business Facilitator BC and BF in all the areas of its operation. Under the programme SKDRDP is promoting Self Help groups enabling the poor people in the remote villages to access banking facilities at their door steps. The paper is an attempt to understand the progress of SHGs members after taking micro finance service from SKDRDP. Through the current study the researcher has made an attempt to analyze the perception of selected Self help group members on Micro Finance Programme, the challenges they faced and the steps taken by SKDRDP to overcome the same due to the hit of COVID 19 and the support they got for their growth to survival. Praveena D | Dr. Ravi M N "A Study on Sustainability & Coping Ability of SHGS Members with Special Reference to SKDRDP Micro Finance Programme" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-1 , December 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd38086.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/marketing-management/38086/a-study-on-sustainability-and-coping-ability-of-shgs-members-with-special-reference-to-skdrdp-micro-finance-programme/praveena-d
George Muruka describes the main steps of the action-research and what support SanFin partners have received. The presentation takes lessons in terms of the type of support needed by MFI so that they can deliver loans for sanitation. Finally, G. Muruka looks at the wider context of the East Africa region, highlighting the potential size of the sanitation microfinance markets (considering the need for accessing improved sanitation in the region). G. Muruka considers potential actions from sanitation practitioners which could make the sector more attractive to microfinance institutions.
Summer Training Report of Role & Implications of Micro-FinanceFellowBuddy.com
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The third SanFin-Tz working group tookm plcae in Dar es Salaam on December 4 2014. The meeting took stock of SanFin partners's activities (the MFIs Tujijenge and ECLOF, and the NGO CCI), as well as other SanFin-Tz members who have been involved in sanitation microfinance, or are planning to do so.
This workshop report summarises the presentations and discussions that took place.
Effects of micro- finance institutions' services on sustainability of small e...inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online
ROLE OF MICRO FINANCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVEKarthika Nathan
Microcredit plays a critical role in empowering women; helps deliver newfound
respect, independence, and participation for women in their communities and in
their households.
Microfinance is the provision of financial services (loans, savings, insurance) to
people on a small scale, such as businesses with low or moderate incomes, but you
can read more meticulous definitions here and here. Loans of micro value are one of
the better known means of helping small business owners in developing countries
move out of poverty. Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide loans and savings
services through a variety of lending models, while micro entrepreneurs use these
services. The theory is that if the poor have access to these services, their financial
lives will be more stable, predictable and secure, allowing them to plan and improve
their livelihoods through education, healthcare and empowerment. Microfinance is
also a means for self-empowerment. One of the reasons attributed to interest rates in
microfinance is the high cost of funds – among other sources, microfinance
providers may obtain loans from commercial banks, who lend to Microfinance
Institutions at market rates.
This time, we decided to look around office and see what people were doing for the weekend. While some plan to work, others plan a trip. We have a wide range of answers from playing Mario to visiting Mysore. See what the Milaap folk do on a typical weekend!
What better time than to go on a field trip, than during “Go on a field trip” month? That’s what the tech team at Milaap thought anyway, and Wednesday saw them heading to Krishnagiri, Karnataka.
Did you know that the world celebrates Food Day today? While we could bring you stats about wasted food and the number of people the food you leave behind on your plate could serve, we decided not to. We’re sure you know those facts. Instead, we’re bringing to you a unique dish from each state in the country that Milaap has its presence in. If you belong to one of these states, or love its cuisine, we’d like to hear from you. Tell us something about the food in one of the states below, and you might win a Milaap Gift Voucher!
Did you know that the world celebrates Food Day today? While we could bring you stats about wasted food and the number of people the food you leave behind on your plate could serve, we decided not to. We’re sure you know those facts. Instead, we’re bringing to you a unique dish from each state in the country that Milaap has its presence in. If you belong to one of these states, or love its cuisine, we’d like to hear from you. Tell us something about the food in one of the states below, and you might win a Milaap Gift Voucher!
As part of our fundraising venture, we travel across India spanning several states. Our volunteers, interns often unearth amazing info when they’re out on field trips. So, this time we bring to you the Know your State series; an interesting compilation of facts on states; and what better way to start than our home state, Karnataka. We share 6 lesser known facts about the state; let us know if you like them!
Your loan can change a lot of a working poor Indian life. The impact of education is changing the lifestyle of unskilled labourers through our great loan projects.
how to sell pi coins in South Korea profitably.DOT TECH
Yes. You can sell your pi network coins in South Korea or any other country, by finding a verified pi merchant
What is a verified pi merchant?
Since pi network is not launched yet on any exchange, the only way you can sell pi coins is by selling to a verified pi merchant, and this is because pi network is not launched yet on any exchange and no pre-sale or ico offerings Is done on pi.
Since there is no pre-sale, the only way exchanges can get pi is by buying from miners. So a pi merchant facilitates these transactions by acting as a bridge for both transactions.
How can i find a pi vendor/merchant?
Well for those who haven't traded with a pi merchant or who don't already have one. I will leave the telegram id of my personal pi merchant who i trade pi with.
Tele gram: @Pi_vendor_247
#pi #sell #nigeria #pinetwork #picoins #sellpi #Nigerian #tradepi #pinetworkcoins #sellmypi
how can i use my minded pi coins I need some funds.DOT TECH
If you are interested in selling your pi coins, i have a verified pi merchant, who buys pi coins and resell them to exchanges looking forward to hold till mainnet launch.
Because the core team has announced that pi network will not be doing any pre-sale. The only way exchanges like huobi, bitmart and hotbit can get pi is by buying from miners.
Now a merchant stands in between these exchanges and the miners. As a link to make transactions smooth. Because right now in the enclosed mainnet you can't sell pi coins your self. You need the help of a merchant,
i will leave the telegram contact of my personal pi merchant below. 👇 I and my friends has traded more than 3000pi coins with him successfully.
@Pi_vendor_247
Exploring Abhay Bhutada’s Views After Poonawalla Fincorp’s Collaboration With...beulahfernandes8
The financial landscape in India has witnessed a significant development with the recent collaboration between Poonawalla Fincorp and IndusInd Bank.
The launch of the co-branded credit card, the IndusInd Bank Poonawalla Fincorp eLITE RuPay Platinum Credit Card, marks a major milestone for both entities.
This strategic move aims to redefine and elevate the banking experience for customers.
Empowering the Unbanked: The Vital Role of NBFCs in Promoting Financial Inclu...Vighnesh Shashtri
In India, financial inclusion remains a critical challenge, with a significant portion of the population still unbanked. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have emerged as key players in bridging this gap by providing financial services to those often overlooked by traditional banking institutions. This article delves into how NBFCs are fostering financial inclusion and empowering the unbanked.
Introduction to Indian Financial System ()Avanish Goel
The financial system of a country is an important tool for economic development of the country, as it helps in creation of wealth by linking savings with investments.
It facilitates the flow of funds form the households (savers) to business firms (investors) to aid in wealth creation and development of both the parties
If you are looking for a pi coin investor. Then look no further because I have the right one he is a pi vendor (he buy and resell to whales in China). I met him on a crypto conference and ever since I and my friends have sold more than 10k pi coins to him And he bought all and still want more. I will drop his telegram handle below just send him a message.
@Pi_vendor_247
how can I sell pi coins after successfully completing KYCDOT TECH
Pi coins is not launched yet in any exchange 💱 this means it's not swappable, the current pi displaying on coin market cap is the iou version of pi. And you can learn all about that on my previous post.
RIGHT NOW THE ONLY WAY you can sell pi coins is through verified pi merchants. A pi merchant is someone who buys pi coins and resell them to exchanges and crypto whales. Looking forward to hold massive quantities of pi coins before the mainnet launch.
This is because pi network is not doing any pre-sale or ico offerings, the only way to get my coins is from buying from miners. So a merchant facilitates the transactions between the miners and these exchanges holding pi.
I and my friends has sold more than 6000 pi coins successfully with this method. I will be happy to share the contact of my personal pi merchant. The one i trade with, if you have your own merchant you can trade with them. For those who are new.
Message: @Pi_vendor_247 on telegram.
I wouldn't advise you selling all percentage of the pi coins. Leave at least a before so its a win win during open mainnet. Have a nice day pioneers ♥️
#kyc #mainnet #picoins #pi #sellpi #piwallet
#pinetwork
Financial Assets: Debit vs Equity Securities.pptxWrito-Finance
financial assets represent claim for future benefit or cash. Financial assets are formed by establishing contracts between participants. These financial assets are used for collection of huge amounts of money for business purposes.
Two major Types: Debt Securities and Equity Securities.
Debt Securities are Also known as fixed-income securities or instruments. The type of assets is formed by establishing contracts between investor and issuer of the asset.
• The first type of Debit securities is BONDS. Bonds are issued by corporations and government (both local and national government).
• The second important type of Debit security is NOTES. Apart from similarities associated with notes and bonds, notes have shorter term maturity.
• The 3rd important type of Debit security is TRESURY BILLS. These securities have short-term ranging from three months, six months, and one year. Issuer of such securities are governments.
• Above discussed debit securities are mostly issued by governments and corporations. CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSITS CDs are issued by Banks and Financial Institutions. Risk factor associated with CDs gets reduced when issued by reputable institutions or Banks.
Following are the risk attached with debt securities: Credit risk, interest rate risk and currency risk
There are no fixed maturity dates in such securities, and asset’s value is determined by company’s performance. There are two major types of equity securities: common stock and preferred stock.
Common Stock: These are simple equity securities and bear no complexities which the preferred stock bears. Holders of such securities or instrument have the voting rights when it comes to select the company’s board of director or the business decisions to be made.
Preferred Stock: Preferred stocks are sometime referred to as hybrid securities, because it contains elements of both debit security and equity security. Preferred stock confers ownership rights to security holder that is why it is equity instrument
<a href="https://www.writofinance.com/equity-securities-features-types-risk/" >Equity securities </a> as a whole is used for capital funding for companies. Companies have multiple expenses to cover. Potential growth of company is required in competitive market. So, these securities are used for capital generation, and then uses it for company’s growth.
Concluding remarks
Both are employed in business. Businesses are often established through debit securities, then what is the need for equity securities. Companies have to cover multiple expenses and expansion of business. They can also use equity instruments for repayment of debits. So, there are multiple uses for securities. As an investor, you need tools for analysis. Investment decisions are made by carefully analyzing the market. For better analysis of the stock market, investors often employ financial analysis of companies.
How to get verified on Coinbase Account?_.docxBuy bitget
t's important to note that buying verified Coinbase accounts is not recommended and may violate Coinbase's terms of service. Instead of searching to "buy verified Coinbase accounts," follow the proper steps to verify your own account to ensure compliance and security.
What website can I sell pi coins securely.DOT TECH
Currently there are no website or exchange that allow buying or selling of pi coins..
But you can still easily sell pi coins, by reselling it to exchanges/crypto whales interested in holding thousands of pi coins before the mainnet launch.
Who is a pi merchant?
A pi merchant is someone who buys pi coins from miners and resell to these crypto whales and holders of pi..
This is because pi network is not doing any pre-sale. The only way exchanges can get pi is by buying from miners and pi merchants stands in between the miners and the exchanges.
How can I sell my pi coins?
Selling pi coins is really easy, but first you need to migrate to mainnet wallet before you can do that. I will leave the telegram contact of my personal pi merchant to trade with.
Tele-gram.
@Pi_vendor_247
The Evolution of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India: Challenges...beulahfernandes8
Role in Financial System
NBFCs are critical in bridging the financial inclusion gap.
They provide specialized financial services that cater to segments often neglected by traditional banks.
Economic Impact
NBFCs contribute significantly to India's GDP.
They support sectors like micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), housing finance, and personal loans.
The secret way to sell pi coins effortlessly.DOT TECH
Well as we all know pi isn't launched yet. But you can still sell your pi coins effortlessly because some whales in China are interested in holding massive pi coins. And they are willing to pay good money for it. If you are interested in selling I will leave a contact for you. Just telegram this number below. I sold about 3000 pi coins to him and he paid me immediately.
Telegram: @Pi_vendor_247
how to sell pi coins effectively (from 50 - 100k pi)DOT TECH
Anywhere in the world, including Africa, America, and Europe, you can sell Pi Network Coins online and receive cash through online payment options.
Pi has not yet been launched on any exchange because we are currently using the confined Mainnet. The planned launch date for Pi is June 28, 2026.
Reselling to investors who want to hold until the mainnet launch in 2026 is currently the sole way to sell.
Consequently, right now. All you need to do is select the right pi network provider.
Who is a pi merchant?
An individual who buys coins from miners on the pi network and resells them to investors hoping to hang onto them until the mainnet is launched is known as a pi merchant.
debuts.
I'll provide you the Telegram username
@Pi_vendor_247
how to sell pi coins effectively (from 50 - 100k pi)
Milaap - Field Report on GUARDIAN, MFI
1. Milaap Field Report – Gramalaya Urban and Rural Development Initiatives (GUARDIAN)
Tiruchirapalli – 20 March, 2010
The Milaap team made its first field trip to GUARDIAN at Tiruchirapalli, an MFI focused on water and
sanitation (watsan) financing. This is the first of the series of field reports that Milaap will prepare as a
part of the ongoing partnership visits.
The office GUARDIAN, located in a quiet neighbourhood at Trichy, brims with activity on a Saturday – loan
officers who come from the field with daily reports, people working on computers to update the
database, others addressing concerns of borrowers; the regular activities of a Microfinance Institution
(MFI). An MFI making to the headlines is hardly a surprise these days given the attention Indian MFIs have
been eliciting from investors and the media alike. However, GUARDIAN stands apart from the rest, it is
the only MFI in the country solely dedicated to water and sanitation (watsan). It may sound odd to many
at present but that is true for any innovation in its nascent stage.
Today, MFIs have created the first level of social innovation by establishing delivery channels for credit,
but social development goes beyond credit to other fundamental needs like education, health, water as
well. Developing robust delivery channels for these needs would entail another generation of social
innovation. No doubt, it would gain immensely from the MFI experience, but the focused approach to
each of the services is essential to devise sustainable mechanisms. We reckon, from that small office in
Trichy, GUARDIAN is scripting a very important chapter in social innovation. The title of it – Water &
Sanitation for All!
The Organisation
GUARDIAN was incorporated in 2007 to cater for
watsan financing in the region. “Though
Gramalaya has been involved in water
development for two decades, the specialized
requirements for watsan financing led to the
incorporation of a separate MFI in the form of
GUARDIAN”, says Mr. Paul Sathianathan, the
Executive Director of GUARDIAN is his neatly
arranged office.
Mr. Sathianathan has been leading GUARDIAN
for the past two years post a five year stint with
Gramalya. An ex-Government employee, Mr.
Sathianathan stresses on the importance of
developing financial products adapted to needs
of the borrowers. Getting the right repayment
period is even more critical as it depends on the
difficult variables time for construction of the
facility, income levels etc. Naturally, close
connect with the community is essential to
operations at GUARDIAN. Equally important is
training the people at GUARDAIN and the
organization has been sending its people to
leading MFIs like BASIX, Grammen Koota,
Bandhan. Over the two years, GUARDIAN has
created resources trained in field operations,
Field Research Report on GUARDIAN – written and compiled by Milaap Microfunds
2. loan process and management of back-end systems; all with a focus on watsan loans.
Processes at the back-end are being developed simultaneously. Detailed financial data, at the borrower
level, necessary not only to generate financial reports but also to monitor the entire business is being
managed by software provided by one of the best MFIs in the country. “We can generate reports as
required depending on the business scenario. For example, you can adjust the PAR values and check for
the risk associated with the portfolio or you could see the recoveries or group history”, says Mr. Senthil
Kumar, credit manager at the unit office, while enthusiastically explaining the features of the system.
The organization has gradually put the basics in place through small operations catering for nine blocks in
the Trichy district. Today, it understands the needs of the people, can design relevant financing structures,
has trained people and has systems to monitor and report – all ingredients in place for replicating and
scaling up.
Strong Connection with the Community
This report needs a special mention for Mr. Senthil and his colleage Mr. Selvan, who were with the Milaap
team throughout the day; explaining the operations, showing the systems, helping interact with credit
officers and finally accompanying to the
community visit to Gorimedu and
Wannarapettai, two nearby slum areas.
GUARDIAN has done extensive sanitation
financing programmes, of loan sizes of INR
10,000, in Gorimedu. The satisfaction of
people was evident in the warm reception
given to us by Janaki, the group leader of the
area. The presence of Mr. Senthil ensured an
easy interaction with most of the other
members, reflecting the high level of trust
GUARDIAN has developed over the years.
Janaki manages details of every loan in the
group – origination, disbursement, utilization
and repayment. A sense of pride beams across Janaki as she explains the book-keeping methods and
browses through separate files managed for each JLG. Mr. Selvan was there all the time – doing the
translations, taking to new borrowers, explaining how people have come up with solutions under
constraints. The urge amongst people to improve their lives was strong and it reflected in the
surroundings; that “slum” could easily be categorized as a developed colony in many of the Indian cities.
Standardisation is the key
The MFI industry in India has thrived under tough conditions – no credit information, illiteracy,
inaccessibility and a society resistant to change. Among the many social innovations this sector has
fostered, standardisation lies at the core of its success story. It’s entrenched in the very lifeline of an MFI –
the working of a loan officer, reporting, loan products, back-end systems, people management; it’s
omnipresent. Years of arduous efforts in standardization are at the root of rapid scale-up that has
catapulted this sector into mainstream investments.
This is exactly where GUARDIAN holds the promise. Over the years, the organization has gained
knowledge to standardize watsan loans and create a pool of trained staff. “People need to be educated
on need for clean water and sanitation. You need to be aware of their living conditions and needs before
pushing for a loan. Then processes and cross checks have to be strictly followed” says Ramya, one of the
credit officers, with a bubbly smile. Her training and experience in watsan requirements and knowledge of
Field Research Report on GUARDIAN – written and compiled by Milaap Microfunds
3. the processes evident in the discussion. Educating the community on sanitation requirements is essential
to generate demand for loans. Standardisation is hence essential to rapidly train the JLG members and
also assist them whenever required. Ramya remarks, “Initially, the first briefing, took nearly an hour and a
half; but now I can explain new JLGs everything in half the time because I know what’s most relevant to
them” – this learning curve is fundamental to achieve scale. Presence of trained staff at the ground level is
essential to manage cost of operations and eventually develop a
robust replicable business model.
It also helps GUARDIAN build the knowledge base to acclimatize
quickly to local conditions or assist its borrowers to think of
innovative solutions. For example, low pressure of water supply in
Wannarapettai, the second area of field visit, makes taps redundant
above the ground level.
The solution comes in the form of a concrete tank dug near the water
connection for every household. The connections are five feet below
the ground level with a concrete staircase leading to the base. The
structure acts an open storage tank as well. Even the people
constructing them are acquainted with the structure, leading to
reduction in planning time and eventually the costs. It immediately
translates to demand for more loans, proper utilization, faster
recovery periods and zero defaults for GUARDIAN.
The Story So Far
The Self Help Groups (SHGs) nurtured by Gramalaya formed the first consumer base for GUARDIAN. The
organization has started following the Joint Liability Group (JLG) model to scale up rapidly. Since it’s
inception in 2007, the cumulative disbursement has been approximately INR 54 million benefiting over
8000 borrowers of 1400 groups. Capacity building – training of staff, setting up IT systems and managing
the initial phase of operations, has been supported by Water.org. A credit facility of approximately INR 35
million from Indian Overseas Bank is the main source of funds.
Currently the loan programme has five loan products ranging from INR 3000, for water purifiers, to INR
10,000, for construction of sanitation facilities. It currently has three branches serving nine blocks of
Tiruchirapalli district. Till now GUARDIAN has controlled operations to a small scale and within a focus
area to learn and develop robust processes. The current interest rate of 18% diminishing is better than
industry standards and has contributed to consolidation of its member base. Steady source of funds is one
of the major requirements for the organization. “We have enough fund absorption capacity in the existing
unit offices. A steady flow of funds to essential to smoothen the lending process and that’s our top
priority for now. Initiatives like Milaap can really help us stabilize the fund flow and eventually expand to
other districts” marks Mr. Sathianathan. No doubt, innovative models take time to get attention of
bankers or investors. Hence, we at Milaap, were
convinced that organisations like GUARDIAN provide the
perfect scope utilizing retail capital for social innovation.
Water.org and World Water Day Celebrations
An eventful afternoon awaited us after a after a
sumptuous Chettinad lunch with the GUARDIAN team. For
the unfortunate, who callously limit the Tamil cuisine to
dosai, idli, vada and vada-sambar, Chettinad dishes will
come as a nice spicy surprise. Discussions with Mr.
Field Research Report on GUARDIAN – written and compiled by Milaap Microfunds
4. Damodaran, Country Director, and Mr. Jose, Manager of MFI Programmes, at the water.org office were
eye-openers on the number of different models that are being tried to help MFIs and NGOs build
sustainable watsan initiatives. Mr. Damodaran, a twenty year veteran in the social water sector and the
founder of Gramalya, heads water.org operations in India and has been instrumental in identifying
opportunities with big and small partners. The portfolio includes BASIX, BISWA, Grameen Koota,
GUARDIAN and many other NGOs. “We are aiming at best utilization of water.org funds and develop
funding programmes attuned to the requirements of the communities. We have specialists for watsan
loans of MFIs and revolving loan funds for NGO. The models are innovative and it will need patience. I am
happy that organization like Milaap is stepping forward to foster such grass root innovations”, remarks a
confident Damodaran, years of experience reflecting in the talk.
Participation in the Longest-toilet-queue initiative was
another remarkable event for the Milaap team.
Volunteers braved the heat to gather at the Cauvery
Bridge with immense enthusiasm. A gathering of five-
hundred people without clogging the road beside – the
discipline was exemplary. An equally disciplined
gathering in the local community hall marked the end of
the brilliant day. It also provided the opportunity to
interact with Arnie Heather, who leads the International
Programmes at water.org. Her international experience
and on her optimism with India, on harbingering the
social innovation in water and sanitation, were great to
know about.
The Milaap team thanks all involved for the fantastic day. It was visible to us that clean water and
sanitation has finally made beyond school text books and is well on its way to become a reality. Watch out
for GUARDIAN as it leads the change!
Field Research Report on GUARDIAN – written and compiled by Milaap Microfunds
5. Photographs from the filed trip
Mr. Damodaran, Country Director, Water.org Mr. Sathianathan, ED, GUARDIAN
Mr. Senthil & Mr. Selvan of GUARDIAN JLG operations explained to the Milaap team
One of the sanitation facilities in Gorimendu Water connection in Wannarapettai
Field Research Report on GUARDIAN – written and compiled by Milaap Microfunds
6. Water day celebrations – the longest toilet queue initiative
Field Research Report on GUARDIAN – written and compiled by Milaap Microfunds