A training workshop on "Bringing Dynamics to Microfinance Activities Implemented at Upazila Level" was held in Kapasia, Gazipur. The training workshop was held on Monday morning at the Upazila Parishad Meeting Room.
Upazila Social Service Officer Md. Ruhul Amin gave a proper idea about the implemented microfinance activities in the workshop organized by the Kapasia Upazila Social Service Office. Assistant Director of the District Social Service Department ATM Touhiduzzaman was present as the chief guest at the workshop.
Union level party leaders, public representatives, retired officers, journalists, imams, field supervisors and people from various professions participated in the workshop conducted by Upazila Assistant Social Service Officer Md. Rehan Uddin.
During the workshop, among others, Kapasia Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Rabiul Islam, Kapasia Press Club President FM Kamal Hossain, Organizing Secretary Belayet Hossain Shamim, Retired Officer Mazharul Islam, Upazila Parishad Mosque Pesh Imam Mufti Maulana Khaled Saifullah, Field Supervisor Abul Hossain, Halim Khatun, etc.
It was informed in the training that under the microfinance program implemented at the upazila level to improve the living standards of the marginalized population of the society, loans of up to 50 thousand taka are provided to the members. A 5 percent service charge is collected from the borrowers and later distributed among them. Even if the microfinance is to be repaid for a period of one year, the installments start after two months. The capital money cannot be withdrawn until the service charge is collected. The service charge is added to the capital of the members of the association. Due to lack of coordination, the loan money is not collected. A person can take a loan three times. Up to 50 thousand is considered as 'A' category, up to 60 thousand is considered as 'B' category, and above 60 is considered as 'C' category.
This microfinance is prescribed for the marginalized population and the concerned department can take legal action to recover the loan. There is a 16-member Rural Loan Activities Committee at the upazila level. At the initial stage, village survey, team formation, and association formation with 1-20 or more members are done.
The village committee, including the team leader, assistant team leader, 1 president, 1 vice-president, treasurer and others select loan recipients from different groups. Later, when it is sent to the upazila, the upazila committee approves it.
To encourage the loan recipients, emphasis is placed on 20 issues including literacy, keeping the house clean, education of children, help in preventing child marriage, and hygienic toilets. Members will accumulate savings according to their convenience.
If the loan recipient dies, it is recovered from his estate. There is no scope for microloans to be waived. Above all, the microfinance of the Department of Social Services will play a supporting role in the productive activities of marginal entrepreneurs, including raising cows, goats, chickens, or small businesses on their own initiative.
