Vodafone India has entered into a strategic tie-up with Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (RGAVP) to empower women in village organisation (VO) or self help group (SHG). The partnership facilitates instant deposits to their saving account using the mobile wallet, M-Pesa.
The operator has entered into a six months pilot project with RGAVP in three blocks in Rajasthan namely – Anandpuri in Banswara district, Baap in Jodhpur district and Sankar in Jaisalmer district.
At present, RGAVP provides small loans to women in poor families through VO/SHG leaders and cashiers. These loan amounts are disbursed in the form of cash and repayment amount is collected periodically.
With M-Pesa wallet, the loan amount will be deposited instantly by the leaders to the individual savings account. Instant confirmation in the form of SMS is sent to the individual handsets. Instead on travelling 10-15 kms in most case for cash transaction, Vodafone M-Pesa facilitates instant, safe and secure cash transaction for the poor in Rajasthan. Regular deposit into savings account at regular intervals using M-Pesa will further boost credit ratings. The partnership is expected to boost the banking system in Rajasthan and facilitate higher loan disbursement for the poor.
