Relieving indebtedness of the poor

Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India tackles the problem of individual indebtedness (paying high rate of interest) of poor people by providing a loan for repaying old debts, at a comparatively lower rate of interest. The result is that the person is relieved from debts, has an increase in real income because of difference in rate of interest, and can the save a portion of increased real income in SEWA Bank's personal saving account. When the savings reach 31 Rs. (ca. $US 0.25), the person can apply for a loan on reasonable terms.