BWDA FINANCE LIMITED
Deputy Managing Director from April 2021
Chief Executive Officer (July 2017 – March 2021)
Deputy CEO (August 2013 – June 2017)
Responsible for providing coherent leadership of the Institution under the guidance of the Managing Director. Responsible for the performance of the Institution, facilitating strategic planning, alignment of the vision and priorities of the Institution, formulating and successfully implementing plans and projects, developing business plan, budget and the funding plan for various initiatives, project management, developing processes and structures, putting in place adequate operational planning and financial control systems, developing and maintaining an effective framework of internal controls including risk management in relation to all activities, ensuring that the Institution has a suitable system and policy for the timely and accurate disclosure of information in accordance with regulatory requirements, planning human capital to ensure that the Institution has the capabilities and resources required to implement its projects, stakeholder engagement, fundraising. Key project areas include Financial Inclusion through Microfinance and Business Correspondent Model, Water and Sanitation, Women Empowerment and Livelihood Development. Further responsible to liaison with the parent entity BWDA to facilitate social performance of BFL through implementation of various holistic development projects for the development of beneficiaries. Responsible for financial inclusion of over 650000 women beneficiaries.
BWDA – BULLOCK-CART WORKERS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Vice President from 2016
Managing Committee Member from 2014
General Body Member from 2006
In line with the organisation’s vision, she works for a “poverty free, prosperous, equitable and sustainable society”. The primary objective of her work is, “Inclusion of the Excluded”, through sustainable holistic development of low income households, primarily bullock-cart workers, labourers, rural artisans, poor, needy women and children in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Responsible for facilitating strategic planning, alignment of the vision and priorities of the Institution, program concept evolution in line with the vision and UN SDGs, formulating and successfully implementing plans and projects, monitoring progress, budget and the funding plan for various initiatives, project management, developing processes and structures, putting in place adequate operational planning and financial control systems, developing and maintaining an effective framework of internal controls including risk management in relation to all activities
BWDA MERCANTILE PVT LTD
Director from 2014
Responsible for providing direction and guidance on development of credit plus activities for benefit of beneficiaries, providing end-to-end services for microenterprises and development organisations, promoting producer organisations, promoting fair trade and marketing of Self Help Group products.
WOMEN POWER INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
Director from 2018
Women power works to link women entrepreneurs to the global marketplace by providing access to an e-commerce platform thereby making them global e-retailers. The project was selected as a Champion in the WSIS Forum 2019.
MICROSAVE CONSULTING
Analyst (January 2012 – March 2013)
Associate (August 2010 – December 2011)
Responsible for planning, designing, implementing field-based assignments, practise oriented research, training programmes in MicroSave’s E/M-Banking/ Product Development practice group. Responsible for providing solutions to Action Research Partners (ARPs) and other client institutions in areas like: strategy development and governance, organisational strengthening and risk management, product and channel innovations, investor and donor services, and research and dissemination. Major work included strategic planning for institutions venturing into business correspondent space, product development, institutional assessment and qualitative market research to understand customer needs and sector scenarios, providing support in key decisions such as partnership management, organisational structure and technology and defining the intervention strategy and the action plan, strengthening of community based organisations with special focus on MIS and book keeping.
MicroSave Assignments are as follows:
Strategy Development and Governance
Developing Financial Capability Programme Assessment Framework (Omidyar Network, 2012), Financial Education Consultant
The objective of the study was to develop an assessment framework for a financial education that can be used by MicroSave to assess various FE programmes. Responsible for designing a framework to assess the impact of financial capability programme using qualitative research tools and writing concept paper for the assessment framework. Specific activities included: review of literature on financial capability assessment; developing assessment tools; testing developed tools in field with MFI clients that underwent a financial literacy programme; and synthesising the assessment framework
Strategic Planning for Integrated Business Correspondent (BC) Model (Grameen Financial Services funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), E/M- Banking Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to design an integrated BC model and the strategy for implementing the model. Responsible for strategic planning to conceptualise and implement a BC model. Specific tasks included: assisting the client in the strategy planning workshop; preparing the content and plan for strategy workshop; setting the strategy for various departments/ functional areas for the integrated BC model; interacting with the technology team and drafting technology plan; identifying regulatory constraints for the new model; collating all inputs into a report and presenting it to the senior management team.
Organisational Strengthening and Risk Management
Review of Performance, Delinquency Management, and Staff Incentive System (Arthavida Foundation, 2013)
The objective of the assignment was to review the performance of the institution including delinquency management and incentive system, identify gaps and develop strategies to address the gaps. Responsible for identifying and defining gaps, developing recommendations and strategies and developing a performance dashboard to track performance of the institution.
Incubation and Monitoring (IFMR Rural Finance funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011)
The objective of the assignment was to design a well-structured incubation process that would transfer the key building blocks of KGFS namely institutional culture, wealth management approach and brand conformity to the new KGFS/KGFS franchisee entity. Responsible for designing the incubation process and implementation guidelines. Specific tasks included: identifying and defining detailed steps of the incubation process, defining timelines, guidelines, monitoring policies and hand off procedures and finalising the incubation and monitoring manual
Review of Technology Suite (IFMR Rural Finance funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), MIS Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to review and refine the technology suite and manuals (Core Banking System, Customer Management System and Centralised Audit System) to enable them to be delivered under a franchising model for financial services. Responsible for assessing the preparedness of Customer Management System and manuals for franchising. Specific tasks included: review of technology manuals, identifying and addressing gaps in the manual, highlighting interface changes required, and identifying gaps in the system.
Review of Product Suite (IFMR Rural Finance funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), Credit Product Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to review and refine the credit product suite (product, process and technology) to enable them to be delivered under a franchising model for financial services. Responsible for assessing the preparedness of the product suite for franchising. Specific tasks included: review of product related documentation, identifying and addressing gaps in integrating the loan products and process into one package for franchising, highlighting policy changes required, identifying risks and lack of compatibility with the franchisee model; and reviewing process maps.
Grading System Design for Community Based Organisations (Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), SHG Consultant.
The objective of the assignment was to design a community based organisation grading tool to assess the performance of block level organisations of SHPIs (Self Help Group Promoting Institutions). Responsible for designing and testing the grading tool. Specific tasks included: identifying and defining key assessment criteria; designing the grading tool; and developing the user manual for the tool.
Community Audit System, MIS and Book Keeping (Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), Microfinance Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to design book keeping formats and community audit systems for community based organisations and provide support in aligning the MIS to meet the needs of the organisation. Responsible for designing and field testing the MIS aligned book keeping formats/registers for Self Help Groups (SHGs), Village level Organisations (VOs) and Block level Organisations (BOs). Specific tasks included: designing bookkeeping formats, field testing of formats, assisting the MIS team in defining the requirements for new MIS software by analysing gaps in the existing MIS, and liaising with the software provider.
Product and Channel Innovations
Sthree Nidhi Bank Business Correspondent Model Design (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2012),E/M-Banking Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to study the existing Sthree Nidhi Bank processes and design an appropriate BC model to streamline Sthree Nidhi Bank deposit and loan repayment collection process with specific focus on repayment tracking, reduction in cash handling, and better information flow while retaining the existing community based organisation structure. Responsibilities included analysis of existing model and design of the BC model. Specific tasks included: understanding and analysing the Sthree Nidhi Model and FINO Andhra Bank BC model, identify gaps in the models, identifying the value proposition for Sthree Nidhi bank, the suitable technology, delivery channel and to design an appropriate BC model.
Competitive Landscaping and Market Scoping (Eko Aspire Foundation, funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2012), E/M-Banking Consultant, Hyderabad component
The objective of the research was to understand the current performance and strategy of the major competitors and conduct preliminary concept testing of Eko’s service offering to provide strategic inputs to Eko’s expansion plan. Responsible for identifying the key competitors (existing and emerging); understanding and analysing competitor’s products, processes, commissions, outreach, technology, etc., identifying migrant pockets and dynamics, and providing recommendations on expansion. Specific tasks included: interviewing agents to gather their feedback on the various aspects – product, process, operational support, profitability, etc.; identifying strengths /weaknesses of the competitors, market scoping, analysing migrant patterns and making recommendations for Eko’s expansion strategy.
Rapid Agent Assessment for Agent Network Managers (ANMs) (Nokia Money, Geosansar, Suvidhaa, HCL, AISECT, Janalakshmi funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011 – 2012),E/M Banking Consultant and Team Lead for Geosansar and Suvidhaa Component
The objective of the assignment was to conduct a rapid assessment of ANMs to understand the performance of the agent network. Responsible for assessing the agent network manager on predefined parameters. Specific tasks included: assessing channel management (including selection, training, monitoring, cash management and compensation), operating and business model, agent profitability and customer relationship management of ANMs; collecting data using ANM Rapid Institutional Assessment tool, SWOT analysis, institutional analysis; and assessing capability on key strategic and operational parameters.
Community-Led Business Correspondent (BC) Model Design (Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), Microfinance Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to design a scalable BC model for RGMVP and support them in identifying banks and TSPs to implement this model. Responsible for conceptualising and designing a community led BC model. Specific tasks included: providing support in key decisions such as partnership management, organisational structure and technology, designing the business and operational model, defining the intervention strategy and the action plan.
Assessment of the Rollout of Community Based Microfinance (Chaitanya funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), MIS Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to assess the institution’s capacity to roll out operations in 35 new SHG federations. Responsible for assessing the MIS of the organisation and scalability. Specific tasks included: co-ordinating with the client for the assignment; understanding and analysing information flow in the community based organisations; assessing the MIS, identifying issues and gaps in the MIS, assessing scalability and functionality of the software and presenting the same to the senior management team.
FINO Tendu Patta Collectors Payment Platform Analysis (FINO funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011),E/M-Banking Consultant
The objective of the project was to assess the e/m-banking payment platform implemented by FINO for Tendu Patta collectors through the business correspondent model in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh in association with Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation (UPFC) and ICICI Bank. Responsible for assessing the payment platform implemented by FINO with biometric authentication and smart cards to avoid misappropriation of wages of tendu patta workers and reporting the progress and issues. Specific tasks included: co-ordinating with the client to define the scope of the assignment; assessing the business model to identify viability and replicability; identifying the challenges in the payment for Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) aggregators; conducting field research with a sample of customers and business correspondents and UPFC officials; analysing process implementation and impact; and collating the findings into a report.
SME Product Development (KGFS funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2010), Consultant
The objective of the assignment was to design SME loan products to cater to the demand for working capital and term funding of SMEs. Responsible for designing SME loan products. Specific tasks included: co-ordinating with the client for the assignment; analysing field research inputs to understand the SME segment and customer needs; and designing and presenting the SME lending product concept to the senior management team.
Customer Satisfaction Study (KGFS funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2010),Research Consultant
The objective of the customer satisfaction study was to understand the level of customer service on KGFS’s product offerings and to map KGFS’s competitive position. Responsible for conducting the customer satisfaction study and analysing the findings. Specific tasks included: planning the research; refining the tool guides; co-ordinating with the client for customer mobilisation; training the client’s staff in qualitative market research; monitoring the client’s staff; co-ordinating the research inputs; running focus group discussions (FGDs); using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools; analysing, collating and consolidating the research findings into a report and presenting it to the senior management team.
Research and Dissemination
Access to Financial Services in Andhra Pradesh (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2011), Research Consultant
The objective of the research was to assess the impact of Andhra Pradesh microfinance crisis on borrowers by collating client experiences, opinions and needs to help policy makers and key stake holders devise solutions suited to client requirements. Responsible for conducting qualitative research and providing inputs to facilitate data analysis and report consolidation. Specific tasks included: preparing the market research plan and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides; conducting qualitative market research by administering FGDs and Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) tools with MFI clients to understand the impact of the crisis and their coping mechanism to manage credit needs; co-ordinating the research inputs; and collating and drafting the research findings into a report. The findings of the research have been widely quoted by various institutions and microfinance practitioners
Research on Banks and Microfinance Institutions Natural Partners in Financial Inclusion (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2012), E/M Banking Consultant
The objective of the research was to assess and present the case of MFIs as a potentially viable business correspondent channel through which banks can reach the base of the pyramid market more economically. The study also identified the top strategic and operational choices that MFIs need to make before they function as a BC as well as the way forward. The study involved working with Ignacio Mas (leading authority in E/M Banking). Specific tasks included: defining scope of the assignment and the deliverables; studying different MFIs working as business correspondents, understanding their business model and its replicability; identifying the challenges, analysing process implementation and impact; responsible for analysing various MFI Business Correspondent models and collating the findings into a research report.
Research on Relative Risk to the Savings of the Poor (Omidyar Network, 2011)Research Consultant.
The objective of the study was to quantify the relative risk faced by poor when they save in the formal, semi-formal and informal sectors. Responsible for the conduct of the research covering a sample of 407 respondents; in rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan and analyse the findings. Specific tasks included: planning the research (Tamil Nadu component); co-ordinating the work with the local partner institutions and mobilising respondents; co-ordinating the research inputs; running focus group discussions (FGDs); using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools; preparing case studies; analysing, collating and consolidating the research findings into a report
Remittance Networks Research (Omidyar Network, 2011)Research Consultant.
The study was designed to understand the various remittance channels used by respondents and their perceptions on remitting through the business correspondents. Responsible for conducting research covering a sample of 608 respondents; 543 in groups and 65 individuals in rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu and UP and analysing the findings. Specific tasks included: co-ordinating the research inputs; running focus group discussions (FGDs); using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools; preparing case studies; analysing, collating and consolidating the research findings into a report.
Exploring Dormancy in No Frills Account Research (Omidyar Network, 2010)Research Consultant.
The objective of the assignment was to understand the reasons behind extremely high levels of dormancy in no-frills accounts. Responsible for coordinating with the team of four consultants to interview 433 respondents; 411 in groups and 22 individuals in rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu and analysing the findings. Specific tasks included: co-ordinating the work with the local partner institutions and mobilising respondents; co-ordinating the research inputs; running focus group discussions (FGDs); using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools; analysing, collating and consolidating the research findings into a report.
Research on Cost and Willingness to Pay (Omidyar Network, 2010)Research Consultant.
The objective of the study was to assess costs that households incur when they use bank savings accounts, the process of transacting at the bank and challenges involved, the value (or lack of value) these households see in the Business Correspondent (BC) model and their willingness to pay for the services the BC model would offer. The study was designed to assess the current costs poor people pay to transact and their willingness to pay for a secure and convenient service through the business correspondent model. Responsible for conducting research covering a sample of 608 respondents; 543 in groups and 65 individuals in rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu and UP and analysing the findings. Specific tasks included: co-ordinating the work with the local partner institutions and mobilising respondents; co-ordinating the research inputs; running focus group discussions (FGDs); using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) tools; analysing, collating and consolidating the research findings into a report
CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION (CED)
Nominee Director to BFL from 2010
Trustee from 2006
Production Manager and Producer, The Root-Woot Company’s benefit production of The Vagina Monologues, VDAY 2013
V-Day International Women’s Movement, Bangalore V-Day, February 14, is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls (cisgender, transgender, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender based violence) started by author, playwright and activist Eve Ensler. The ‘V’ in V-Day stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina and grew out of the untold stories of women. Eve Ensler’s play, The Vagina Monologues that shattered taboos gave birth to V-Day, through which V-activists around the world tirelessly work to end harassment, rape, battery, incest, and female genital mutilation and sex slavery with creativity and determination
Student Coordinator, Centre for Sustainable Rural Development and Research Studies (CSRD & RS), VIT University
Centre for Sustainable Rural Development and Research Studies, the Community Outreach Chapter of VIT University was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, President of India on 1st December, 2005 to provide better and effective services for the growth and development of rural communities by meeting their present basic needs without compromising the prospects of future generations through participative planning and implementation.The Chapter works with the District Planning Commission, Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Indian Bank Self Employment Training Institute (INDSETI), MSME – Development Institute (MSME-DI), Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, NABARD, National Institute of Micro Small Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME), Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, Puthu Vazhvu Project, State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission, Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation to implement projects to facilitate sustainable development of rural communities.
Projects & Responsibilities: Responsible for project implementation, liaison with community members and Govt officials, student volunteer engagement and management, event organisation for the following projects:
- PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) dream project of His Excellency the President of India Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam which focuses on the elimination of the rural urban divide and envisages integrated connectivity to bring prosperity to rural India.
- YSPARK is an innovative women empowerment project, the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu under the (PPP) Public Private Partnership model to address the gulf between the knowledge, asset creation, micro enterprises and SHG members. The project envisages orientation of SHGs in the Vellore District into sustainable micro enterprise by providing guidance, technical and handholding support through capacity building, product identification, technology transfer, product designing, product development, creating marketing linkageS and use of Information Communication technology (ICT).
- Green Vellore Project works to bring about a greener and cooler Vellore City by planting more than million saplings.
- Restoration of River Palar focuses on restoration of the polluted main water source of the people of Vellore through a movement of the clubs, NGOs and Associations of Vellore district to restore the river
- Village Resource Centre (VRC) uses both traditional and modern technology to provide necessary information and knowledge to rural communities. One of the key focus areas is to link the tribal people of Jawadhu hills to advanced tele medical solutions in partnership with Christian Medical College, Vellore.
Program Coordinator, Global Innovation Village, CSRD & RS, 2010
Developer, ERP Software Development for YSPARK Project, CSRD & RS, 2009
Event Manager, Programme Committee for SEDSIC ’07, SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) International Conference, VIT University
Student Coordinator, Finance Committee for Phreak ’07 a National Level Technical Symposium, VIT University