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Center for Microfinance Research
 
A Centre for Microfinance Research (CMR) has been set up within the BIRD to take up research activities in the field of microfinance for facilitating policy initiatives and improvements in design and delivery system of microfinance services. The vision and mission of the Centre are as follows
Vision
To emerge as a centre of reference for information, knowledge and valued opinion related to microFinance sector.
Mission
Strengthen the microFinance sector through supply of researched inputs that facilitate policy initiatives and improvement in design and delivery systems that provide poor with sustainable access to quality financial services.
Activities
The Key activities of the Centre would be
Research covering critical and relevant themes on microfinance spanning different geographical locations
Publication and sharing of research outcomes and best practices
Policy planning and advocacy through conferences, seminars etc
The research themes that are to be taken up by the centre are proposed to be identified through wide consultations. Initially the Centre plans to conduct research in the following areas
Innovative activities of mFIs
Interest rates
Start up costs, advocacy costs, other hidden costs, etc. Of mFIs
Rating of mFOs
Modes and methods of mF operations
Governance and regulatory issues
Incentivising spread of mFIs in underbanked areas
Structure of the Centre
The Centre is located within BIRD campus. While the administrative supervision of the centre will be with Director / OIC of BIRD, the overall superintendence would be with the Governing Council of BIRD. CMR will be headed by a Principal Researcher under whom 4-5 Researchers will be conducting research.
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Consultative Meet to Identify Research Themes for CMR (24 March 2008)
A consultative meet to identify research themes to be taken up by CMR was organised at BIRD Campus, Lucknow on 24 March 2008.  The meet was presided over by Shri. Y. C. Nanda, Ex-Chairman, NABARD and was attended by eminent economist Prof. V. S. Vyas and leading practitioners in the field of Microfinance.  Apart from identifying possible research themes the meet also gave an opportunity to explore the areas of mutual interest for collaborations between various stake holders and CMR.
1 Sub – Centre of CMR at IIBM, Guwahati
BIRD has set up a sub centre of CMR at Indian Institute of Bank Management, Guwahati. This sub-centre established based on an MoU with IIBM will focus on issues relating to Microfinance in the North Eastern states. The sub-centre will also develop an information hub on microfinance institutions in the North Eastern Regions. CMR plans to have similar sub centres at various parts of the country.
2 Sub – Centre of CMR at IFMR, Chennai
A sub centre of CMR has been set at the Centre for Microfinance –  Institute of Financial Management and Reasearch, Chennai. This sub- entre will focus on issues relating to Microfinance in the Southern region of the country.
3 Sub – Centre of CMR at IDS, Jaipur
Another sub centre of CMR has been set at the the Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur. This sub- centre will focus on issues relating to Microfinance in the Western region of the country.
4 Sub – Centre of CMR at CIM, Patna
Fourth sub centre of CMR has been set up at the Chandragupt Institute of Management, Patna. This sub-centre will focus on issues relating to Microfinance in the Eastern region of the country.
Contacts
Shri R K Thanvi, Faculty Member, BIRD. Phone : 91 0522 2421119
Shri S Krishnan, AGM, BIRD. Phone : 91 0522 2421154, 2421187

Email :bird@sancharnet.in

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