In an era marked by socioeconomic disparities, it is refreshing to witness a tale of solidarity and empathy emerging from the confines of a campus. In a particular campus, where faculty and their families reside, a unique lending model has taken shape driven by the residents. This interest-free lending initiative seeks to support the unsung heroes of the campus — its contractual workers.

Contrary to conventional banking practices and microfinance systems, which prioritise loans for income-generating ventures, this approach looks to extend financial assistance for essential expenditures like medical treatment, education and family events.

The essence of this model lies in its sustainability. The initial step involves identifying anchor donors — individuals who donate a large sum of money and set the tone for the endeavour. Their contributions cover a significant portion of the required funds and inspire others to join in with smaller donations. Underpinning the project are trusted individuals within the community who willingly assume the responsibility of administering the scheme. They are familiar to both residents and workers alike, thereby injecting a sense of confidence in the process. The process itself is uncomplicated, ensuring that workers face minimal hurdles when seeking assistance. Loan limits, repayment durations and other relevant details are communicated transparently to potential beneficiaries.

It is important to note that defaulting on repayments does not result in punitive measures or coercive tactics. The scheme operates on a foundation of understanding that unforeseen circumstances may hamper repayment abilities. However, those who default are precluded from accessing the scheme in the future, thus ensuring fairness and accountability.

Success story

To maintain the integrity and the practicality of the initiative, the funds collected from donors are handled meticulously. Rather than wrestle with the complexities of opening bank accounts, the administrators keep the funds in the form of cash, maintaining comprehensive records to guarantee transparency. Meanwhile, the contractual relationship between the workers and the university acts as a substitute for collateral. Workers cognisant of the unique opportunity presented to them — an interest-free loan with relaxed repayment schedules and minimal transaction costs — rarely default on their commitments.

The success story of the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi campus stands as a testament to the potential of this model. Even amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, the scheme persevered, providing emergency interest-free loans to workers in need. Since its inception, this lending model has assisted over 70 workers, extending a helping hand without a single default on repayments — save for one minor delay. The loans, averaging Rs 10,000, have been utilised for vital purposes such as healthcare, education, and celebrating joyous family milestones. A survey conducted among the workers revealed widespread awareness of the scheme, with a significant number having already availed its benefits.

The success of this initiative serves as an inspiration not only for other campuses but also for society at large. This community-led model showcases the power of localised philanthropy. By witnessing first-hand the transformative impact of their contributions, community members too experience a profound sense of fulfilment.

As we celebrate this endeavour, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within communities across the nation. Let us embrace the spirit of compassion and generosity, for it is through our collective actions that we can transform the lives of contractual workers who deserve an equal opportunity to thrive.