NPM workshop and Status Report Microfinance in India

"Towards more effective microfinance in India: Coordinated efforts from the Netherlands" was the title of an internal workshop of NPM-members in January 2008. Purpose was to review current issues for investors and donors in the Indian microfinance sector. The main issues were the need for equity investments, the various regulatory frameworks for the microfinance industry and its consequences for external borrowing, the new Microfinance Bill and IT solutions for MIS development, retail functions and outsourcing.

The workshop was a follow-up to the "Status Report Microfinance in India" of September 2007 that was prepared by NPM as background material in preparation for the Royal State Visit to India of October 2007. In the report the author, Mrs. Liestbeth Sijtsma, reviews the key issues and challenges in the microfinance sector in India and the role of Dutch donors and investors. While the Dutch are relatively small players in terms of size, their role in innovative financing models is generally appreciated.

To view the report click here:  /Documents/status report mf sector india incl lsijtsma final.pdf