Indian micro finance sector soared 2,100% in previous 12 years

NEW DELHI: The micro finance establishments (MFIs) business in India has witnessed a skyrocketing development of greater than 2,176 per cent up to now 12 years, with its enterprise hovering from Rs 17,264 crore in March 2012 to Rs 3.93 lakh crore as of November 2024.
This was highlighted throughout a gathering chaired by M Nagaraju, secretary of the division of economic companies (DFS), ministry of finance, within the nationwide capital.
Alongside senior officers from DFS, representatives from key business our bodies, together with MFIN and Sa-Dhan, additionally attended the assembly. The discussions centred on strengthening the MFI sector to raised serve low-income households in rural areas, offering them with simpler entry to monetary help.
At current, MFIs function throughout 723 districts, together with 111 aspirational districts, protecting 28 states and eight Union Territories. They cater to the monetary wants of almost 8 crore debtors, contributing 2.03 per cent to the gross worth added (GVA) to India’s GDP and supporting 1.3 crore jobs.
Challenges for the sector
The assembly additionally threw gentle to a number of challenges confronted by the sector. MFIs highlighted difficulties in elevating low-cost, long-term funds and reported that portfolio high quality has been affected by lowered lending to the sector.
The MFIs proposed initiatives similar to credit score assure schemes tailor-made for MFIs and debtors, the creation of particular funds for operations within the North-East, and relaxed qualifying asset norms to diversify lending dangers.
In response, the DFS secretary urged the establishments to develop a roadmap to strengthen the sector and guarantee its long-term viability. He additional emphasised the necessity for a vibrant and financially sound MFI ecosystem able to successfully addressing the wants of rural communities.
The secretary additionally inspired MFIs to undertake digital reimbursement strategies whereas prioritising cybersecurity and resilient IT infrastructure, together with improved governance requirements to boost sectoral credibility.
Acknowledging the numerous contributions of MFIs, Nagaraju appreciated their function in advancing monetary inclusion and uplifting rural lives. He additionally hailed DFS’s efforts in supporting the sector and making certain its development.