Dear readers! Are you interested to know all about Annapurna Finance? Well, you have come to the right place because this article provides you with all the details and amazing benefits of Annapurna Finance. This article is written after referring and reading its official website and other related articles.
ANNAPURNA FINANCE Â INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd (AFPL) is a prominent non-banking financial company (NBFC) and microfinance institution (MFI) that was established in 2009. Today, it stands as one of the top ten NBFC-MFIs in India, with a strong focus on serving the underserved sections of society. AFPL has its roots in Peoples Forum, an NGO dedicated to the development and welfare of marginalized communities.
COMMITMENT TO FINANCIAL INCLUSION
AFPL’s journey began with Mission Annapurna, an initiative launched under Peoples Forum in 2005. It aimed to provide microfinance services to the interior and unserved areas of Odisha. The program successfully addressed the economic needs of poor women by delivering financial services directly to their doorsteps. As the program expanded and gained recognition, the transformation into a more streamlined entity became imperative, leading to the formation of Annapurna Finance Pvt Ltd (AMPL) in 2009.
AMPL’s mission was clear: to serve economically backward clients, bring them into the mainstream, and provide need-based financial services that were previously inaccessible to them. To achieve this, AFPL focused on reaching areas where formal financial institutions found it unprofitable to operate. The organization aimed not only to offer financial services but also to provide technical support, strengthening the entrepreneurial skills of its clients for more effective business activities.
CONTINUOUS INNOVATION AND CLIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH
Throughout its journey, Annapurna Finance has prioritized continuous innovation in its product offerings and delivery mechanisms. The organization understands the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of its clients. By doing so, AFPL ensures that the entire microcredit life cycle remains relevant and impactful for its customers.
ANNAPURNA FINANCE OBJECTIVES
The core objectives of AFPL are as follows:
1. Economic Empowerment: AFPL aims to provide financial assistance that empowers individuals economically.
2. Tailor-Made Products: The organization offers a range of need-based products designed to cater to the various stages of a customer’s life cycle.
3. Self-Help Group Promotion: AFPL actively forms and promotes Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor, women, and marginalized individuals through economic activities.
4. Women Empowerment: AFPL places a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. It involves women directly in production activities through self-help groups and provides them with access to finance, creating opportunities for additional income.
ANNAPURNA FINANCE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Annapurna Finance offers a wide range of financial and non-financial services tailored to the needs of its clients. These services are primarily targeted towards the resource-poor, unbanked, and marginalized individuals residing in rural and semi-urban areas. AFPL aims to support small businesses, agricultural activities, and livelihood development, empowering individuals to increase their incomes and improve their lives.
The organization utilizes the group lending model, where poor women guarantee each other’s loans through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs). Borrowers undergo financial literacy training and must pass a test before accessing loans. The disciplined approach of monthly meetings and regular monitoring ensures a high repayment rate of over 99% for collateral-free loans.
In addition to group loans, AFPL has introduced various individual need-based products for its clients. These include:
1. MSME Finance: AFPL offers business loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises to meet their working capital needs. These loans cater to both registered and unregistered businesses after a thorough cash flow analysis.
2. Housing Finance: Recognizing the significance of housing in providing social security and economic well-being, AFPL provides housing loans for construction, purchase, renovation, and balance transfers, particularly in the affordable housing segment.
3. Samarth Loan: This product is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities and other financially excluded sections of society. AFPL aims to promote inclusion and create opportunities for those often overlooked by mainstream financial services.
4. Safe Water and Sanitation to Households (SWASTH): AFPL recognizes the importance of safe water and sanitation for improved living conditions. The organization provides financial assistance to individuals, enabling them to access safe water and sanitation facilities at the household level.
5. Dairy Development Loan: AFPL supports dairy farming by offering loans for purchasing cross-breed cattle, constructing cattle sheds, and acquiring dairy-related equipment.
6. Solar Loans: AFPL addresses the problem of frequent electricity cuts in rural areas by providing loans for the purchase of cost-effective and eco-friendly solar lighting systems.
7. Consumer Durable Loans: AFPL assists clients who are unable to make lump sum payments for consumer durable products, allowing them to fulfill their needs without excessive financial burden.
8. Home Improvement Loan: This short-term loan is provided for residential property improvements, including additions, alterations, maintenance, repairs, and replacement of structural parts.
9. PMSVANidhi Loan: AFPL participates in the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi) scheme, offering affordable loans to street vendors affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. The scheme helps vendors resume their livelihoods and contributes to their economic well-being.
ANNAPURNA FINANCE CONTACT INFORMATION
Registered & Corporate Office:
1215/1401, Khandagiri Bari,
Opposite Jayadev Vatika,
Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar – 751030
Phone: +91-674-2386580
Email: info@ampl.net.in
Client Grievance Redressal Toll-Free No: 18008437200
To apply for Annapurna Finance Loan, click on the link below.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd (AFPL) plays a significant role in promoting financial inclusion and empowering individuals through its wide range of financial services. With a client-centric approach, continuous innovation, and a strong commitment to social and environmental objectives, AFPL continues to make a positive impact on the lives of millions across India.