Department of Commerce and Centre for Advanced Studies in Commerce and Management, Canara College, Mangaluru organised a Two-Day National Conference on the theme of “Micro Finance – Growth Engine for Rural Economy” in association with MUCTA the Mangalore University Commerce Teachers’ Association and sponsored by University Grants Commission. The Conference was held on 29th and 30th January 2016 at Smt. Ratna Shenoy memorial Seminar Hall, Canara College, Mangaluru.
Ms. Kamakshi S. Pai, Joint Director, Bankers Institute of Rural Development inaugurated the Conference on 29th January 2016. In her Inaugural Address Ms. Pai gave a vast insight into the banking sector and the role of micro finance in the development of the rural population. She elaborated on the various schemes that have been floated by NABARAD in meeting rural credit requirements and the success of the schemes. She said of the 76 lakhs Self Help Groups in India, 86% of them are women entrepreneurs running these SHGs efficiently and thereby achieving the twin objective of women empowerment and development of Indian economy.
Mr. Allen C.A. Pereira, Former Chairman and Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra was the keynote speaker. In his address Mr. Pereira shared his experiences as a banker and highlighted the fact that small savings need direction and there is lack of financial literacy among people. He expressed his concern on the short sightedness and attitudinal issues of the bankers in approaching the people at the bottom of the economy. He gave a call to the youth to become bankers and bring in revolution in the country through micro finance and serve the nation. He concluded his address saying that Prof. C. K. Prahalad, though not a banker, was right in his book titled, ”The fortune at the bottom of the pyramid” that the fastest growing new markets and entrepreneurial opportunities being found among the billions of poor people ‘at the bottom of the financial pyramid’
Mr. M. Annappa Pai, the president of the inaugural function expressed his happiness and satisfaction on choosing the right theme for the conference.Prof. M. Sreepada, President of MUCTA the Mangalore University Commerce Teachers’ Association, expressed his concern over the need to provide micro finance to individuals rather than groups, and also ensure that these loans are used for constructive purposes.Dr.Malini K.V., Principal of the college welcomed the delegates to the Canara College and introduced the eminent speakers of the session.Prof. Dejamma A., Convener of the conference, presented a brief overview on the theme of the conference, highlighting the role of college in contributing to the research orientation among the college teachers by conducting successful seminars in the past 5 years.Mr. M. Ranganath Bhat, Secretary of CHS Association, Mr. Basti Purushotham Shenoy, Dr. UmanandaMallya, members of the CHS Association were the other dignitaries on the dais. Prof. Seema Prabhu S., Convener of the conference proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was compeered by Prof. Pramod Kumar, Faculty, and Department of English.
The first technical session was on “MICRO FINANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”. Mrs. Manorama Bhat, Director,SIRI, SKDRDP, Belthangady was the resource person. She stated the purpose of existence of micro finance institutions and explained the concept of sustainable development and the goal for 2030. She emphasised on the role of nongovernmental organisation and focused on the concept of work through community. She concluded the session saying that micro finance institutions can play a major role by kindling the entrepreneurial spirit and bigger ambitions among the poor.
The Second Technical Session was on “Ehanching the outreach on Micro Finance – Role of Technology” Mr. M. Bharath Kumar, DGM (BIRD), explained the role of technology in taking the benefit of micro savings, micro credit, micro remittance, insurance and pension to the rural economy. He also elaborated on various technology enabled schemes such as Pradhan Manthri Jan Dhan Yojana, Insurance Schemes, Rupay Card, Mobile Payment Systems, Remittance facilities, Business Correspondents, Ultra Small Branches etc.
A Panel Discussion was held on 30th January 2016 on Micro Finance institutions and stakeholders– experiential sharing. Panel comprising of Bankers, Academicians and Beneficiaries deliberated on the issues concerning Micro Finance delivery by way of sharing personal experiences in the field.Mrs. AmithaP.Pai, Manager, Canara Bank, Centenary Branch, Mangaluru explained how if implemented effectively the various schemes available at the banks are contributing to the rural upliftment.Mrs.YamunaBoliyaru, member of Nethravathi Sangha which is a self helf group, at Konaje Mangaluru and Mrs. Bhavya, member of Raktheshwari Sangha, shared their experience in how the micro finance revolution helped them becoming entrepreneurs.Dr. AshalathaS.Suvarna N., Associate Professor of Commerce, Sri Gokarnanatheshwara College, Mangaluru moderated this fruitful Discussion and concluded that there is truly a great capacity in micro finance revolution to change the rural scenario in India.
The session on “the Ease of Borrowing: Bankers’ perspective” was delivered by Mr.D.Ravikumar, Deputy General Manager, Corporation Bank. He elaborated on the framework of micro credit delivery system present among the banks, which strives to reach out to the rural populace. He also explained the robust scenario of Indian Banking system which has greatly spearheaded the Micro Finance Revolution.
We had overwhelming response by the scholars and delegates. 283 delegates registered for this conference. 21 speakers enlightened the participants with their thought-provoking presentations. 107 research papers were presented in 6 sessions in these two days. This conference also provided an opportunity for the students to present their research papers and poster designing through competition such as Student Researchers and Student Innovations. 24 teams from various Colleges participated in these competitions.
The valedictory function was held on 30th January, 2016 at 2.15 pm. Dr.K.V.Malini, Principal of the College, presided over the function. Dr. G.V.Joshi, Professor of Economics, Justice K. S. Hegde Institute of Management, Nitte gave the Valedictory address. He said the theme has focused mainly on the elimination of poverty. He told that focus should given on the bright spots of the economy. He elaborated Self Help Group Bank linkage programme and its limitations. He opined that there is a need for redirection in programmes and policies related to micro finance.
Prof. I.N.Noronha, Head of Department of Commerce welcomed the guest and gathering. Prof. Seema Prabhu S, Convener, presented a brief note of findings of the conference. Prof. Dejamma A., Convener, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr.Ashalatha Suvarna, Secretary of MUCTA , expressed her happiness for the successful conduction of the conference. The valedictory session was anchored by Prof. Sandhya Bhandary, Faculty of Management Studies.
This conference had provided a platform for evolving strategies for accelerated inclusive growth and constructive suggestions to policy makers to explore innovations in the area of micro finance. The Conference also provided an opportunity to young scholars to brush their shoulders with that of experts on the subject. The papers presented during the conference are reviewed by the research committee for publication purpose and the selected papers are published in conference proceeding with ISBN.
Report by:
Mrs.Dejamma A.
Mrs.Seema Prabhu S.
