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The Pros And Cons Of Microfinance

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Introduction
“If you are uplifting the poor, you are uplifting the nation”- M.K.Gandhi
This statement clearly explains the essence of microfinance and its importance in the modern economy. Microfinance is a source of financial services and resources to the small entrepreneurs, villagers and less privileged section of the society. In December 2007, Forbes has brought out a special magazine on microfinance and has described microfinance as the next buzzword.
Global Context and History
The concept of microfinance is not something new. In fact, the history of the microfinance goes back as early as the 15th century. It was in Europe where the concept of pawn shops – an institution by the Catholic Church against the people who were charging exorbitant …show more content…

Criticism of microfinance
The disadvantages of microfinance are enlisted below:-
• It is one of the few ways to reach out to the poorer sections of the society.
• Another disadvantage is that the deal may be too small for the lender to devote adequate amount of time.
• The profits are low because the capital involved is less.
• Borrowers seldom give the lenders the full story on their situation and with a small amount at risk, it does not make sense for lenders to give a lot of money to check out the story.
• Micro lending depends on an ever increasing number of lenders in order to be successful.
• As mentioned by the Gresham’s Law, if the poor and the non poor are combined in a single system, then the non poor will drive out the poor from the society.
• Microfinance programs generally affect the moderately poor more than the moderately stronger section.
• Vicious cycles of debt, microcredit, increased roads and micro load associate with microfinance institutions.
• Low repayment rates in comparison with traditional financial institutions.
• Use of harsh and coercive methods to push for repayment and excessive interest

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