Posted: 22/03/2008
Savda Ghevra was the scene of much anticipation on Thursday 20th March. A large group of residents gathered to hear Dr Kiran Martin and Mr RK Dubey (Zonal Manager of Punjab National Bank) introduce their loan scheme in the area, and to see them present loan cheques to the first batch of successful applicants.
Mr Dubey addressed the group and stressed the importance of repaying the loan amount on time. He explained that then people would be entitled to loans of double or even triple the initial amount.
Dr Martin then took the stage and congratulated people on their successful applications. She encouraged them by mentioning how many people both in India and elsewhere have started from very humble beginnings and, with hard work, have become millionaires. Dr Martin then thanked Asha staff, Mr Dubey and his colleagues, and the Savda Ghevra residents for helping to implement the initiative successfully.
A stream of 51 proud men and women who had been granted loans went to the front of the stage to receive their cheques for Rs.5000 (around US $125, or £63). They are intending to use the loans for a number of purposes, such as expanding businesses, setting up shops, or buying rickshaws. The majority of the people who were granted loans were women, an important factor that will help to improve the status of women within the community and empower the women, giving them more independence.
Everyone at Asha and the bankers are looking forward to being able to extend the scheme to more of the people at Savda Ghevra in addition to many within other Asha slum areas.
Mr RK Dubey and Dr Kiran Martin present a loan cheque to a resident of Savda Ghevra
.jpg)
Mr Dubey, Dr Martin and Asha Programme Coordinator, Sunita Dash, with another loan recipient
Return to more recent news articles
Over the last years I've learnt so much. Now I'm studying at Delhi University, and I'm hoping to be a journalist. Thanks to Asha, I have the kind of life and opportunities that most people in slums would never dream of.
Usha, Ekta Vihar
