Uncommon Ground – Lessons From Below
Microfinance rests on mutualism. This is very different from the individualism of free markets.
Looking for models of financial prudence and sustainability? We don’t have to look very far. Tucked safely away from the scorching heat of the meltdown, at least so far, is the vastly distributed microfinance sector in India, which offers us fascinating lessons.
With an estimated 4.3 million self-help groups (SHGs) scattered across the country, with an average membership per group of 15, mostly women, and an average savings mobilization of Rs22,000, we have the world’s largest microfinance sector and certainly its most diverse.
Keywords
You may also want to read
Interview
The Shaili Chopra Show | Rohini Nilekani on Money, Life Lessons & Gender Equality
Transript: [Shaili Chopra] We’re breaking the rules. The question is, what rules are we breaking? Rohini, welcome to the show. [Rohini Nilekani] Namaste, Shaili. Thanks for having me on the[...]
Article
SSIR | Our Vanishing Developmental Commons
Written by Tanya Kak When I was a child, like many children, the street was where I learned how to live in the world. Playing was not just playing. We gathered[...]
Keynote
The Telegraph | Rohini Nilekani urges philanthropists to embrace risk, patience for lasting social change
The third edition of ‘Setu: The Bridging Gap’ brings Kolkata’s grassroots changemakers into focus, with attendees pledging around Rs 13 crore towards social development Philanthropic capital is the “best risk[...]