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High-value denomination currency was scrapped off from the Indian economy on 8th November 2016, Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes were declared invalid at midnight hour. Taking such a bold step by Hon. Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, means declaring 86% of cash in circulation an illegal tender overnight. This study is conducted on the immediate effect of demonetization on the microfinance industry in India and its after-effects in the later years. We have analyzed the data collected from the rural sector, on the collections and lending, impact on the farmers, how it has affected the small microfinance companies. We have also analyzed RBI’s initiative towards financial inclusion, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the emergence of new Small Finance Banks, Digital Banks, Payment banks, etc. We have critically analyzed the impact of cost versus the benefit from the demonetization exercise for the rural and microfinance industry. The aim of this study is to analyze the overall financial inclusion of the rural and small sectors towards the dream of a Cashless Economy.  

The present study seeks to examine the role of microfinance and its impact on economic and social empowerment of women. The study used multi-stage stratified proportionate random sampling technique in the selection of the representative district, mandal/taluka, villages and households. Empirically acclaimed logistic regression model has been employed for analyzing significant impact of plausible socio-economic factors on women empowerment. The study found that the socio-economic indicators have undergone significant changes. It also emerged that there has been an increase in women participation in the household decision making process. The study suggests that the government should prepare suitable plans and programmes for the social and economic empowerment of women. The study also suggests that policy measures such as increase in frequency of SHG meeting, SHG training programme, increase in loan amount and ensuring effective utilization of the loan, may be the useful initiatives to enhance women empowerment, income and employment opportunities.

This study is a discussion on the ‘Non-Governmental Organization-Microfinance Institution Partnership Model’ and ‘Securitization Model’ used by Indian microfinance institutions to achieve cost efficiency. These two models are effective strategies devised and used by efficient and sustainable Indian MFIs to reduce their operating cost and financing cost. Achieving such cost efficiency is crucial for microfinance institutions to attain operational self-sustainability without levying high interest rates. Using interview method the study elicits information on these innovative strategies and recommends them to be worthy of emulation for other microfinance institutions operating in the Indian microfinance industry.