Established in 2001, Bandhan started its journey with the intention of lifting poor and cash-strapped women from indigence and catapulting them towards socio-economic empowerment. Microfinance, with its inherent potential of providing door-step credit was thought to be the answer for the woes of this section. Bandhan now is operating through its NBFC entity in the microfinance space, doling out credit to the financially excluded.
The microfinance interventions of Bandhan are ably supplemented with myriad development initiatives to provide 360 degree assistance. Presently its intervention areas are health, education, livelihood, skill
development initiatives and a program aimed exclusively for the poorest of the poor. Bandhan undertakes all its development activities through a separate, not for profit entity viz. Bandhan Konnagar.
Bandhan today operates out of 1,553 branches across a wide geography of 18 Indian States & Union Territories, striving towards a greater poverty-free India. However, the primary focus is on Eastern India and North Eastern India which comprise some of the most economically disadvantaged states of the country.
8937 of its staff are based at the field with only 181 based at the Head Office. Increased presence is helping the organization to better understand, work more effectively with and provide more timely services to poor in these states.
Development Activities
Chartering into Unventured Frontiers - Targeting the Hard Core Poor (CUF-THP)
Under this exclusively designed program, the poorest of the poor are identified and livelihood support (in the form of grants) is extended to them with the objective of graduating them to mainstream finance. Besides this, regular hand-holding through trainings, provision of consumption stipend, arrangement for allied business supports ensure their socio-economic upliftment.
Bandhan Health Program (BHP)
Under this initiative, health education is imparted to the community through participatory and interactive health forums. Health Volunteers are developed within the community. They make regular household
visits to reinforce the message delivered at the health forum and distribute health kits comprising of commonly used medicines. Also referral services and linkages with government hospitals are components of this program.
Bandhan Education Program (BEP)
More than 100 non-formal primary schools have been set up to encourage drop-out children aged between 8-14 years to continue their academic career amidst congenial environment. The intention is to incorporate them to formal institutions on completion of the curriculum. Recently Bandhan has diversified its education portfolio by setting up preprimary schools and tuition centers for the underprivileged children. All the aforesaid services will be imparted at zero cost to children.
Employing the Unemployed Program (EUP)
This program has been set up to address the grave issue of unemployment. Youth are harnessed through rigorous skill development courses in order to make them eligible to apply for jobs. Specially directed at women, this program offers course on Tally accounting software and also develop women as cab chauffeurs.
Bandhan Livelihood Program (BLP)
Bandhan has forayed into triple bottom-line with its pioneering horticulture model at Shantiniketan. This can be replicated by beneficiaries leading to livelihood generation and environmental protection. The program would be implemented across 100 branches, targeting at least one beneficiary in each branch.
