Assertion: Many borrowers find themselves in the Debt trap due to the...
Assertion: Many borrowers find themselves in the Debt trap due to the informal source of loan.
Reason: The cost to the borrower of informal loans is much higher.
Explanation:
The assertion states that many borrowers find themselves in a debt trap due to the informal source of loans, while the reason provided is that the cost to the borrower of informal loans is much higher.
Informal loans refer to borrowing from sources that are not regulated by formal financial institutions such as banks or credit unions. These sources can include moneylenders, friends, family members, or even loan sharks. These loans are typically characterized by high interest rates, lack of legal documentation, and absence of consumer protection measures.
Supporting Point 1: High interest rates:
- Informal loans often come with exorbitant interest rates that are significantly higher than those offered by formal financial institutions.
- This is because the lenders of informal loans usually operate outside the purview of regulatory authorities and can charge interest rates based on their own discretion.
- As a result, borrowers end up paying a substantial amount of money in the form of interest, which can make it difficult for them to repay the loan.
Supporting Point 2: Lack of legal documentation:
- Informal loans are often based on verbal agreements or informal written documents, lacking the legal protection and enforceability that formal loans provide.
- This makes it easier for lenders to exploit borrowers by changing the loan terms or demanding additional payments without any legal recourse for the borrower.
- As a result, borrowers may find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt due to the lack of transparency and legal safeguards.
Supporting Point 3: Absence of consumer protection measures:
- Informal loans are not subject to the same consumer protection measures that are mandated for formal loans.
- This means that borrowers do not have access to mechanisms such as credit counseling, debt restructuring, or dispute resolution, which can help alleviate their financial burden.
- Without these support systems, borrowers may struggle to manage their debt and find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of borrowing to repay existing loans.
Conclusion:Given the high interest rates, lack of legal documentation, and absence of consumer protection measures associated with informal loans, it is evident that the cost to the borrower is much higher. This, in turn, leads many borrowers to find themselves in a debt trap. Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, with the reason providing a correct explanation for the assertion. Hence, option 'A' is the correct answer.