Microfinance: A Tool for Poverty Alleviation, A Case study of District Rajouri

Dr. Javed Iqbal, Ahsan Ul Haq

Abstract: The present study was designed to examine the role and impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation in the study area. To know how does microfinance increased the income level and standard of the poor from low income level to high income. Microfinance was proved to be a great tool to fight against poverty and to empower the low income households and groups in the study area. Microfinance proved to be a great tool for economic development and for alleviating poverty from the society. It also helped in pushing up low income groups of society, community and merge as unique blend for financial and social intermediation. The study is carried out in four tehsils of Rajouri namely Budhal, Kalakote, Darhal and Nowshera and the sample size for the study is 50 % of the total beneficiaries from different MFIS. The results of the study also showed that microfinance scheme helped poor people to enhance their living standard and provide them financial opportunities for better life. Microfinance was the key strategy that leads to immediate revitalization of economy, enhance their living standards, women empowerment and employment generation.

Keywords: Microfinance, living standard, impact, employment generation, poverty alleviation MFIs, strategy