Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-i...
Micro finance is the provision of a wide range of financial services, such as deposits, loans, and insurance. The basic principle of micro finance is a provision of a package of financial services to low-income households. Microcredit (which is a component of micro finance) is a provision of credit facilities to low income household. The basic principle of micro credit is to give poor people access to capital and exploit their capacities and potentialities for economic development. The fundamental difference between these two terms are understanding of poor people economy and livelihood conditions. Thus, microfinance covers the acute need of poor people's financial services and protect from being further vulnerable but micro credit seems to be more technical and standalone approach to provide only credit services.
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Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-i...
Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-income groups, including both consumers and the self-employed. These services aim to improve financial inclusion, reduce poverty, and promote economic development. The services rendered under microfinance include credit facilities, savings facilities, insurance facilities, and fund transfer facilities.
1. Credit facilities:
- Microfinance institutions provide small loans to low-income individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services. These loans are typically used for income-generating activities or to meet personal financial needs.
- The loans are usually provided without collateral, relying on the borrower's character and ability to repay the loan.
- Microfinance institutions also offer group lending, where individuals form small groups to guarantee each other's loans, promoting social cohesion and collective responsibility.
2. Savings facilities:
- Microfinance institutions encourage low-income individuals to save money by providing them with safe and accessible savings accounts.
- These accounts allow individuals to accumulate savings, build financial resilience, and plan for future expenses.
- Savings facilities also help individuals develop a habit of saving, which can contribute to long-term financial stability and empowerment.
3. Insurance facilities:
- Microfinance institutions offer insurance products tailored to the needs of low-income individuals.
- These insurance schemes provide protection against various risks, such as illness, accidents, crop failure, and natural disasters.
- Insurance facilities help low-income individuals manage and mitigate risks, reducing their vulnerability to financial shocks.
4. Fund transfer facilities:
- Microfinance institutions facilitate secure and efficient fund transfers, allowing individuals to send and receive money domestically and internationally.
- These services enable low-income individuals to access remittances from family members working in other regions or countries.
- Fund transfer facilities also support business transactions and financial transactions, contributing to economic growth and development.
In conclusion, microfinance encompasses a range of financial services, including credit facilities, savings facilities, insurance facilities, and fund transfer facilities. These services are designed to empower low-income individuals, improve financial inclusion, and promote economic development. Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option 'D' - 1, 2, 3, and 4.