GS PrelimsEconomyFinancial Institutions and Financial markets2011

Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-income groups. This includes both the consumers and the self-employed. The service/services rendered under micro-finance is/are: 1. Credit facilities 2. Savings facilities 3. Insurance facilities 4. Fund Transfer facilities Select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:

A

1 only

B

1 and 4 only

C

2 and 3 only

D

1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. The question defines microfinance as the provision of financial services to low-income groups, including consumers and the self-employed. 2. Statement 1 (Credit facilities) is correct: Microcredit, the extension of small loans, is the most well-known component of microfinance. 3. Statement 2 (Savings facilities) is correct: Many microfinance institutions offer microsavings products, allowing low-income individuals to securely save small amounts of money. 4. Statement 3 (Insurance facilities) is correct: Microinsurance, providing coverage against risks like illness, death, or crop failure tailored to the needs of low-income households, is an increasingly important part of microfinance. 5. Statement 4 (Fund Transfer facilities) is correct: Basic payment and fund transfer services are also offered by some microfinance providers to help clients manage their money and conduct transactions. Therefore, all four listed services fall under the scope of microfinance.

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