Q1: What is the microfinance sector?
A1: The microfinance sector encompasses financial services, including loans, savings, and insurance, provided to low-income individuals and underserved communities who lack access to traditional banking services.
Q2: How do microfinance institutions (MFIs) operate?
A2: MFIs are organizations that offer small-scale financial services to marginalized populations. They utilize social collateral, such as community trust, to provide loans and promote entrepreneurship among women.
Q3: What is the significance of MFIs?
A3: MFIs play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion by providing credit access to individuals and households who would otherwise be excluded from formal financial systems.
Q4: How has technology impacted the microfinance sector?
A4: Technology adoption has enabled MFIs to reach remote areas through digital platforms. It has facilitated efficient interactions with customers, bridging the gap between physical and digital services.
Q5: What role does regulation play in the microfinance sector?
A5: The microfinance sector is supported by robust regulations that ensure fair practices, consumer protection, and responsible lending. These regulations create a conducive environment for growth.
Q6: What is the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity?
A6: JAM refers to the integration of Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion program), Aadhaar (biometric identification), and mobile phones. This trinity enhances financial access and services for marginalized communities.
Q7: How do microfinance institutions help with financial inclusion?
A7: MFIs offer financial products to those who are often excluded due to lack of credit history or collateral. They enable underserved individuals to access credit, build savings, and manage risk.
Q8: What are harmonisation guidelines in the microfinance sector?
A8: Harmonisation guidelines are regulatory standards introduced by authorities, like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to ensure consistency and responsible practices in the microfinance sector.
Q9: What is the focus of the Microfinance Institutions Network's estimation?
A9: The estimation focuses on the potential number of microfinance households in India and the industry's customer reach, indicating the level of penetration and impact on financial inclusion.
Q10: How are microfinance institutions adapting to changing needs?
A10: Some microfinance customers are moving beyond traditional boundaries due to improved financial outcomes. This shift has led MFIs to explore non-microfinance offerings like business loans, housing loans, etc.
Q11: What is the debate around non-qualifying asset clauses in the microfinance sector?
A11: There's a discussion about revising non-qualifying asset clauses to offer MFIs more flexibility in diversification. This debate revolves around balancing innovation while ensuring financial stability.
Q12: How does the microfinance sector contribute to broader societal goals?
A12: The microfinance sector contributes to poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and economic growth by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and enhancing financial resilience among marginalized communities.
