Posted: 10/06/2008
Most people expect a chance to learn and study beyond the age of 16, and just as many take for granted the ability to open bank accounts and obtain loans. Millions of slum dwellers around India are denied such opportunities, but yesterday Asha celebrated many people receiving loans and educational scholarships, and the chances of a better future that accompany them.
Many of the people of Ekta Vihar and hundreds from other Asha slum colonies gathered to receive loan cheques at a function attended by Mr P. Chidambaram, Union Finance Minster, Sheila Dixit, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Dr Kiran Martin, director of Asha, and other important guests. The successful loan applicants were the very same people that inspired India's Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, to ensure that slum dwellers had access to loans after visiting the area in January. Since then Asha, the Ministry of Finance, nine public sector banks and an insurance company have worked to develop a scheme that will make loans and financial services accessible to slum dwellers.
Asha is delighted to have the support of the Finance Minister in its mission to ensure that slum dwellers are included in society and receive their basic human rights. Mr Chidambaram spoke to the packed hall and showed how much he understood the importance of this aim by acknowledging that the poor are currently excluded from India's financial growth. He stressed that, "every poor person is entitled to a life of dignity and decency" and asked the community members to stop going to moneylenders now that they are able to open bank accounts and apply for loans. He mentioned a typical moneylender's interest rate of 48% - a figure that would be unthinkable to all but those people in the most desperate circumstances. The Finance Minister then spoke of his hope that the scheme can be extended throughout Delhi and to other cities, with a goal of achieving financial inclusion for the poor within 3 to 5 years. Dr Martin and Mrs Dixit also inspired the crowd with words of encouragement highlighting the opportunities that will now be available to them.
Susoy of Ekta Vihar receives a loan for home improvements
The Finance Minister performed another important role at yesterday's function by meeting many talented youngsters who have big ambitions in life.
It's hard to see some of the brightest children in Asha slum areas restricted by the limitations of their government schools. Large classes, few resources and inadequately trained teachers combine to create a frustrating environment for children who dream of being doctors, scientists or teachers, and who crave to be part of the wider world outside their slum.
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Mahesh receives a scholarship certificate for coaching that will gain him entrance into the Indian Institute of Technology
Recently, Asha committed to grant scholarships to some of the most gifted students from local slum areas. After loan cheques were presented to the men and women of Ekta Vihar, the function provided the perfect opportunity for the proud students to collect their certificates from Mr Chidambaram and Mrs Dixit. Everyone in the packed auditorium was thrilled to see children from a number of different slum areas accepting scholarship certificates for multimedia courses, an Air Hostess Academy, engineering courses and Delhi University among others; a sure sign that social inclusion is possible for so many of the urban poor if they simply get a chance.
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Pinky proudly receives her scholarship certificate for the Air Hostess Academy
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I was suffering from Tuberculosis and my son couldn't cope with looking after me so he moved out. The TB got worse and I relapsed. An Asha community health volunteer noticed my illness, made sure I took my medicine and gave me rations of nutritious food. If Asha was not here I would have died by now.
Arshafilal, Mayapuri
