What is the basic idea behind the SHGs for the poor? Explain in your own words.
The idea is to organise rural poor, in particular women, into small Self Help Groups
(SHGs) and pool (collect) their savings. A typical SHG has 15-20 members, usually belonging to one neighbourhood, who meet and save regularly. Saving per member varies from Rs 25 to Rs 100 or more, depending on the ability of the people to save. Members can take small loans from the group itself to meet their needs. The group charges interest on these loans but this is still less than what the moneylender charges. After a year or two, if the group is regular in savings, it becomes eligible for availing loan from the bank. Loan is sanctioned in the name of the group and is meant to create self-employment opportunities for the members.
In situations with high risks, credit might create further problems for the borrower. Explain.
Manav needs a loan to set up a small business. On what basis will Manav decide whether to borrow from the bank or the moneylender? Discuss.
In India, about 80 per cent of farmers are small farmers, who need credit for cultivation.
(a) Why might banks be unwilling to lend to small farmers?
(b) What are the other sources from which the small farmers can borrow?
(c) Explain with an example how the terms of credit can be unfavourable for the small farmer.
(d) Suggest some ways by which small farmers can get cheap credit.
How does money solve the problem of double coincidence of wants? Explain with an example of your own.
In what ways does the Reserve Bank of India supervise the functioning of banks? Why is this necessary?
In what ways does the Reserve Bank of India supervise the functioning of banks? Why is this necessary?