ABSTRACT

This book brings together empirical evidences and theoretical perspectives to provide a comprehensive overview of the microfinance sector in India. The essays in the volume:

  • focus on the application of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions in microfinance institutions to strengthen the savings movement and widen credit access to the poor and marginalized sections of society;
  • present case studies on self-help group (SHG) movements, federations and SHG-Bank Linkage programmes;
  • propose measures for strengthening regulatory and governance structures of the microfinance sector; and
  • identify linkages between overall financial inclusion and the contribution of microfinance institutions (MFIs).

The volume will be indispensable for scholars and researchers of microeconomics, South Asian economics and development economics as well as professionals and aspirants in the microfinance, rural banking and financial inclusion sectors.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|13 pages

Microfinance in India

The way forward

chapter 3|14 pages

Strengthening governance in microfinance institutions

Some random thoughts 1

chapter 4|18 pages

Mobile technology in microfinance

Empowering the unreachable

chapter 5|27 pages

ICT in microfinance

A case study of microfinance banks in Pakistan

chapter |13 pages

Empowerment through self-employment in rural areas

The role of ICT and SHGs

chapter 7|13 pages

The role of ICT in economic growth

The case of Andhra Pradesh

chapter 8|31 pages

Impact of federations on the functioning of SHGs

An empirical study

chapter 11|19 pages

Microfinance for poverty alleviation

Analysis of clients' perspectives and changes in their lives in the state of Manipur, India

chapter 12|33 pages

Microfinance-plus services – from access to impact

Empirical evidence from rural India

chapter 13|7 pages

Financial inclusion

Technology, institutions and policies 1