| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
September 4, 2006 |
 |
SKS Microfinance LaunchesSKS Microfinance Participates in
National Disaster Management Authority Workshop
|
Delhi, India � Five
representatives from SKS Microfinance participated in a government
sponsored National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Workshop in
Delhi. Led by NDMA head and Member of the Legislative Assembly
(MLA), Mr. Shashidar Reddy, the NDMA conference aimed to foster
coordination, support and network efforts amongst government
representatives, microfinance organizations, non-governmental
organizations and private entities in the realm of disaster
management.
Following an introductory presentation by Mr. Reddy, speakers from
the Dhan Foundation, the Indian School of Business, CARE India and
the National Insurance Academy, Pune presented viewpoints on how
best to cope with disaster. The conference ended with working groups
sharing methods for interventions in preparation, mitigation and
relief efforts.
The role of microfinance in disaster relief was highlighted.
Microfinance institutions (MFIs), as providers of financial services
to those communities most affected by disaster, the rural poor, have
the unique ability to play a role in all three areas of disaster
management: pre-disaster, post-disaster, and relief. MFIs can
educate affected communities, assess affected areas, provide
emergency loans, and assist in relief efforts by restructuring loans
and serving as a channel for the provision of subsidized long-term
loans for infrastructure development � along with many other
initiatives.
NDMA Participant and SKS Lead Manager of Members Services, Lokesh
Kumar Singh, remarked, �It was a great learning experience to be in
the company of such eminent people. This meeting was a first step
towards a mutually beneficial and impacting alliance between the
microfinance industry and others who play a role in the field of
disaster management.�
It�s estimated that between 1990 and 2005, disasters in India
affected approximately 30 million lives and resulted in economic
losses of Rs. 176,000 crores ($40 billion).
About the National Disaster Management Authority
The NDMA lays down the policies, plans and guidelines for disaster
management in India to be followed by Ministries and Departments of
the Central Government and any state authority in drawing up the
State Plan. The Authority coordinates the enforcement and
implementation of the policies and plans for disaster management and
arranges for, and oversees the provision of funds for mitigation
measures, preparedness and response. The NDMA may also frame
guidelines for minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons
affected by disaster and give directions regarding relief in loan
repayment or grant fresh loans on relaxed terms.
The National Disaster Management Authority is part of the Ministry
of Home Affairs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
| |
| Enter your email address to receive our
newsletter. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
