Dear Friends,
Greetings from Bihar Development Trust!!!
Bihar Development Trust wishes you all a very Happy Independence Day. May we continue to work which will increase the pride of our country !!!
It has been long since I have updated you about the work of Bihar Development Trust. BDT is growing steadily in the field of Micro finance and Tasar Silk.
Till date, BDT has provided loans to more than 4200 women borrowers of amount more than 380 lakh rupees. Over last 18 month, our recovery rate is 100%. Our portfolio outstanding is Rs.150 lakh. There has been major changes in Micro finance Industry in last three months. SKS IPO has been oversubscribed by the market. Private sector banks are not agreeing to provide lending to Trust like BDT. There has been overwhelming pressure to transform into NBFC. We are not able to grow as we trapped in low equity-low debt vicious cycle. We have now decided to transform into NBFC . There has been tremendous interest in BDT micro finance and we have received lot of investment offers from High net worth individual
Over last three months , we have
1. Build Drinking water facility in Lodipur village
2. Cemented Drains in Lodipur Village
3. Cemented the 20 looms of weavers in Lodipur
4. Installed a hand pump and toilet for Girls and Boys in Govt School in Adampur, Bhagalpur
These works has been completed with the help of Sir Dorab Ji Tata Trust, All India Association for Craft workers Welfare Association and World of Good Development Foundation.
We need lakhs rupees as donation to our corpus to continue the development Trust to continue the development work. We will be able to execute special welfare projects in Bhagalpur and Patna area based on wishes of individual donors. You can give us donations for education of children of weavers and rickshaw pullers and health of women and girl child of these family. You can donate to BDT for constructing drinking water facility in your village school. You can suggest your own welfare activity for your area and sponser that.
We have been able to make 80 rickshaw pullers proud owners of their own rickshaw in Bhagalpur with the help of Punjab National Bank and American India Foundation. We have plans to scale up to 700-800 rickshaw pullers who will be made owner this year if our credit proposals are sanctioned by SIDBI.
We have been able to mobilise order worth Rs. 23 lakh from buyers like Fab India, Sadhna Udaipur, Rangsootra and CFM. Weavers has been provided training by designers from NID. This is helping us to employ around 100 handloom and powerloom weavers. Its not only handloom but Powerloom is also going through crisis. We are suffering from the working capital problems. We need 40% of the order size as working capital to execute the order. We will request our well wishers to provide us loans for working capital. We need help in up gradation of handloom as well as power looms which can weaver more meters of fabrics per day. Your support can increase the employment to 100s of weavers. We can play a part in increase the Bhagalpur share in overall textile trade of India and world. This trade has potential to provide employment to one lakh families in Bhagalpur.
Finally, we are planning to begin the construction of Agarbatti Stick Unit in Kahalgaon. The land site has been identified and NABARD may release the loan in this month. This project has the potential to provide employment to 5000 families in five six panchayat in Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur.
Over the last three months, we learnt a lot about the uncertainties about agri culture sector. Our agriculture programme suffered setback due to our inability to calculate the working capital right and our wrong decision of not to buy till wheat prices get down.We could not understand the high prices of wheat during our procurement and waited it to come down. We earned 20% on selling the small amount of wheat that we procured in a month.The drought in Bihar has been a surprising natural calamity.The drought failed our plan for promoting SRI. But, the three month experiment has provided a good learning experience which will help us to plan a better programme.
BDT has been planning to provide livelihood assistance to 50,000 families through integrated livelihood programmes with Agarbatti, Silk and agri related program in next five years.
Through its Micro finance NBFC, we plan to provide micro finance assistance to 200,000 families in next five year.
We are grateful to Ananya Finance, FWWB, TMN,RGVN, IGS BASICS, SBI, Union Bank, PNB, Indian Bank, SDTT,SIF, NABARD, SIDBI, AIACA, CFM and many other institutions for their assistance to BDT.
We would like to say that last three and half year has been a great roller coaster ride. We have suffered our bout of depression, nervousness, uncertainty, excitement, agonizing pain, heart felt satisfaction, ecstasy etc over last three year. We are happy to have our share that our decision to found Bihar Development Trust has been right. We are receiving lot of support, motivational mail and even fan mails in our inbox. We have able to provide motivation to lot of people through our initiatives. We would like to thank you all our wishers and friends for their support. We would like to continue our work in gratitude of your support. Few media coverage over last six months is attached with this mail. We hope to live in Developed Bihar very soon.
Thank you for reading such a long mail.
Jai Hind !!! Jai Bihar !!!
Yours Sincerely
Dr. Ravi Chandra
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
BDT UPDATES
Dear Friends,
Greetings from BDT!!!
BDT is growing. It can be confirmed now. We have completed three year of existence and happy to share following figures with you. It gives you a snapshot of our activity in last three years in number terms. For qualitative experience, you need to visit our operational area and feel the impact.
1.0
Status of Operation
As on 31 Mar, 2008
As on 31 Mar, 2009
As on 31 Mar, 2010
As on May 31, 2010
1.1
Total field staff
3
7
8
9
1.2
Total office staff
2
6
9
9
1.3
Total staffs
5
13
17
18
1.4
Total Branches
1
2
2
2
1.5
Districts
Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur
Patna
Bhagalpur
Patna
Bhagalpur
Patna
1.6
Total groupsSHG/JLG
20
400 (5 member)
400 (10 member)
500
1.7
Total members
100
2,000
4000
5,000
1.8
Total Cumulative Borrowers
89
1084
3117
3726
1.9
Active Borrowers
89
945
1963
2419
2
Financial Status (Rs)
As on 31 Mar, 2008
As on 31 Mar, 2009
As on 31 Mar, 2010
As on May 31, 2010
2.1
Loan Disbursed (Rs. In Lakhs )
4.55
74.81
185.67
63.20
Total Cumulative Disbursement (Rs. In Lakhs)
4.55
79.36
265.03
328.24
2.2
Repayment Rate
100%
99%
100%
100%
2.3
Outstanding (Rs. In Lakhs)
3.79
47.51
112.86
142.70
2.4
Portfolio At Risk 30 days
0%
1.1%
0.015%
0.01%
3
Source of Funds (Rs in Lakhs)
2007- 2008
2008- 2009
2009- 2010
2010-2011
3.1
FWWB, Ahmedabad
3.00
10.00
70.00
25.00
3.2
RGVN, Patna
1.80
5.00
13.00
0
3.3
BASICS, Hyderabad
0
10.00
10.00
0
3.4
TMN, Lucknow
0
30.00
50.00
10.00
3.5
Indian Bank, Microsate, Patna-20
0
10.00
0
00
3.6
PNB, Bhagalpur
0
0
3.28
4.22
3.6
SBI, Kankarbagh, Patna
0
0
0
30.00
3.7
Union Bank
0
0
0
10.00
Total
4.80
65.00
146.28
79.22
4.0
Financials Parameters
As on 31 Mar, 2008
As on 31 Mar, 2009
As on 31 Mar, 2010
4.1
Balance Sheet Size ( Rs. in lakhs)
12.07
75.67
170.84
4.2
Revenue ( Rs. in Lakhs )
5.20
17.67
46.00
4.3
Surplus ( Rs. in Lakhs
0.07
0.76
2.06
5.0
Business & Human Resources
5.1
Verticals
Microfinance
Microfinance, Silk
Microfinance Silk Agriculture
Microfinance
Silk
Agriculture
Bamboo
5.2
Total Office staffs
5
15
35
38
This time its only figures. I will request people to provide feedback on basis of these figures.
This time its only figures. I will request people to provide feedback on basis of these figures.
1. There have been questions about our pace of growth. Many friends feel that with 4 professionals actively involved in running the organisation, there is huge opportunity cost we have incurred. The promoters are not paying themsleves a market salary for last three years. The cost of our sweat if included in the operation, will show that we have managed highly inefficiently. We have not grown as per our potential.
Ans. The opportunity cost has been huge. Personal pain and Social pressure are being felt even today. We feel that the initiative will py in long term. Its not only about money. We are trying, experimenting and learning. We are doing as per our existing knowledge and local dynamics. The basix crux is that BDT is an initiative which has been born out of a capital of Rs.5000, a Laptop and a datacard. Only thing we have is the will power to make a positive difference in Bihar. What we have done is in front of you. We are not perfect. We did not know many thing. We are still not aware about many standards. legal compliances . Make us aware. We do many mistakes and are learning the hardway.
2. The other question is our diversification. Due to the diversification, we have not been grown in Microfinance as we should have been. People suggest that if we single handedly focus on microfinance, we could have done more on that front and would have a bigger portfolio.
Ans. Our idea has to Develop Bihar as a geography. Only one activity is not sufficient enough. Now, we are present in four activity and will work in consolidating and sscaling up these activities for next few years. Finally we are focussed on these 4 activity and will try to reach around 200,000 families in these activities in next five years. This will require a mammoth exercise in strategy and execution and create employment for thousands of family. We are saying no to any other activity now.
3. The third question is our governance.
Ans. We feel that BDT is one of the most transparent and communicative organisation. Please visit www.bihardev.pbworks.com where since last three years, i have been painstakingly updating all information and changes. I plan to keep doing it lifelong. Through BDT updates, we have been communicating every decisions and future plans to stakeholders and wellwishers. We are taking feedbacks also and improving ourselves. We need support in improving our governance standards and committed to act in this regard. I am attaching the Board of Trustee profile for you.
4. What has been an impact of our initiative? Has we been able to create any change in the society in which we are working in? Is Bihar ( 4000 families ) better off due to initiatives of BDT? Have we contributed to positive image of Bihar?
Ans. Bihar Development Trust was an emotional decision for the founders as they wanted their state to progress and contribute their bit towards it. Besides, the business logic was that 10 crore population of Bihar as a market which will grow provided law order and governance improves. The decision to start was not a rational one but in hindsight it looks like a master stroke to many. We now have a foot hold in an emerging market which is going to grow very rapidly so that it comes at par to national figures of consumption. We hope that people feel that we have added to the positive image of Bihar.
We are present in three districts and in four verticals. We plan to focus on only these activities for next few years although the number of district will increase.
We are grappling with all the four questions. We would like some one to document our evolution and impact on society by the works of BDT.
We would like you to keep guiding us, mentoring us, scolding us and just call on 9771438191 to chit chat.
I am dedicated to recieve your calls and feedbacks. Waiting for your call
Thank you for reading the long mail.
Regards
Dr. Ravi Chandra
Greetings from BDT!!!
BDT is growing. It can be confirmed now. We have completed three year of existence and happy to share following figures with you. It gives you a snapshot of our activity in last three years in number terms. For qualitative experience, you need to visit our operational area and feel the impact.
1.0
Status of Operation
As on 31 Mar, 2008
As on 31 Mar, 2009
As on 31 Mar, 2010
As on May 31, 2010
1.1
Total field staff
3
7
8
9
1.2
Total office staff
2
6
9
9
1.3
Total staffs
5
13
17
18
1.4
Total Branches
1
2
2
2
1.5
Districts
Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur
Patna
Bhagalpur
Patna
Bhagalpur
Patna
1.6
Total groupsSHG/JLG
20
400 (5 member)
400 (10 member)
500
1.7
Total members
100
2,000
4000
5,000
1.8
Total Cumulative Borrowers
89
1084
3117
3726
1.9
Active Borrowers
89
945
1963
2419
2
Financial Status (Rs)
As on 31 Mar, 2008
As on 31 Mar, 2009
As on 31 Mar, 2010
As on May 31, 2010
2.1
Loan Disbursed (Rs. In Lakhs )
4.55
74.81
185.67
63.20
Total Cumulative Disbursement (Rs. In Lakhs)
4.55
79.36
265.03
328.24
2.2
Repayment Rate
100%
99%
100%
100%
2.3
Outstanding (Rs. In Lakhs)
3.79
47.51
112.86
142.70
2.4
Portfolio At Risk 30 days
0%
1.1%
0.015%
0.01%
3
Source of Funds (Rs in Lakhs)
2007- 2008
2008- 2009
2009- 2010
2010-2011
3.1
FWWB, Ahmedabad
3.00
10.00
70.00
25.00
3.2
RGVN, Patna
1.80
5.00
13.00
0
3.3
BASICS, Hyderabad
0
10.00
10.00
0
3.4
TMN, Lucknow
0
30.00
50.00
10.00
3.5
Indian Bank, Microsate, Patna-20
0
10.00
0
00
3.6
PNB, Bhagalpur
0
0
3.28
4.22
3.6
SBI, Kankarbagh, Patna
0
0
0
30.00
3.7
Union Bank
0
0
0
10.00
Total
4.80
65.00
146.28
79.22
4.0
Financials Parameters
As on 31 Mar, 2008
As on 31 Mar, 2009
As on 31 Mar, 2010
4.1
Balance Sheet Size ( Rs. in lakhs)
12.07
75.67
170.84
4.2
Revenue ( Rs. in Lakhs )
5.20
17.67
46.00
4.3
Surplus ( Rs. in Lakhs
0.07
0.76
2.06
5.0
Business & Human Resources
5.1
Verticals
Microfinance
Microfinance, Silk
Microfinance Silk Agriculture
Microfinance
Silk
Agriculture
Bamboo
5.2
Total Office staffs
5
15
35
38
This time its only figures. I will request people to provide feedback on basis of these figures.
This time its only figures. I will request people to provide feedback on basis of these figures.
1. There have been questions about our pace of growth. Many friends feel that with 4 professionals actively involved in running the organisation, there is huge opportunity cost we have incurred. The promoters are not paying themsleves a market salary for last three years. The cost of our sweat if included in the operation, will show that we have managed highly inefficiently. We have not grown as per our potential.
Ans. The opportunity cost has been huge. Personal pain and Social pressure are being felt even today. We feel that the initiative will py in long term. Its not only about money. We are trying, experimenting and learning. We are doing as per our existing knowledge and local dynamics. The basix crux is that BDT is an initiative which has been born out of a capital of Rs.5000, a Laptop and a datacard. Only thing we have is the will power to make a positive difference in Bihar. What we have done is in front of you. We are not perfect. We did not know many thing. We are still not aware about many standards. legal compliances . Make us aware. We do many mistakes and are learning the hardway.
2. The other question is our diversification. Due to the diversification, we have not been grown in Microfinance as we should have been. People suggest that if we single handedly focus on microfinance, we could have done more on that front and would have a bigger portfolio.
Ans. Our idea has to Develop Bihar as a geography. Only one activity is not sufficient enough. Now, we are present in four activity and will work in consolidating and sscaling up these activities for next few years. Finally we are focussed on these 4 activity and will try to reach around 200,000 families in these activities in next five years. This will require a mammoth exercise in strategy and execution and create employment for thousands of family. We are saying no to any other activity now.
3. The third question is our governance.
Ans. We feel that BDT is one of the most transparent and communicative organisation. Please visit www.bihardev.pbworks.com where since last three years, i have been painstakingly updating all information and changes. I plan to keep doing it lifelong. Through BDT updates, we have been communicating every decisions and future plans to stakeholders and wellwishers. We are taking feedbacks also and improving ourselves. We need support in improving our governance standards and committed to act in this regard. I am attaching the Board of Trustee profile for you.
4. What has been an impact of our initiative? Has we been able to create any change in the society in which we are working in? Is Bihar ( 4000 families ) better off due to initiatives of BDT? Have we contributed to positive image of Bihar?
Ans. Bihar Development Trust was an emotional decision for the founders as they wanted their state to progress and contribute their bit towards it. Besides, the business logic was that 10 crore population of Bihar as a market which will grow provided law order and governance improves. The decision to start was not a rational one but in hindsight it looks like a master stroke to many. We now have a foot hold in an emerging market which is going to grow very rapidly so that it comes at par to national figures of consumption. We hope that people feel that we have added to the positive image of Bihar.
We are present in three districts and in four verticals. We plan to focus on only these activities for next few years although the number of district will increase.
We are grappling with all the four questions. We would like some one to document our evolution and impact on society by the works of BDT.
We would like you to keep guiding us, mentoring us, scolding us and just call on 9771438191 to chit chat.
I am dedicated to recieve your calls and feedbacks. Waiting for your call
Thank you for reading the long mail.
Regards
Dr. Ravi Chandra
Thursday, April 15, 2010
BDT UPDATES
Dear Friends,
Greetings!!!
Finally, we have learnt to say no and we are full of work. Over last three years, many people are wondering that when we will stop diversifying and consolidate. Finally, the founders and promoters are full of work mentally as well as physically. Our idea is Bihar and we want to work in domains which has the potential to impact and reach one million families in Bihar. Our idea was geography specific but not sector specific. Finally we are able to evolve a BDT model which will engage the families from input to marketing in each of the four verticals. BDT group is now present in Microfinance, Textile, Agriculture and Bamboo. Our outreach is 4000 families currently. We will reach 10000 families with our multiple activities in this year. We have designed innovative products for farmers in agriculture and bamboo. We have planned and tying up with reputed technical support agencies and individuals to provide technical inputs in textile, agri culture and bamboo based activities.
Microfinance has a potential to scale up in each district of Bihar supported by adequate livelihood activities. Similarly Agriculture based activities has the potential to reach almost every single family in Bihar. Bamboo based activities can be spread in south and east district of Bihar. While tusser silk weaver livelihood programme can be scaled up in Bhagalpur and can be integrated with other artisans based cluster like Madhubani.
In number terms, We lent around Rs. 200 lakhs to 3000 women borrowers . Our portfolio outstanding is Rs. 113 lacs approx. We insured Life of more than 5000 women and their husband. We provided employment to 50 weavers. We achieved a sales of Rs.10 lakhs in Tusser silk products. We achieved a sales of Rs.25,00,000 through sale of Banana and Vermicompost. Through our procurement initiatives, we provided benefits of better prices to 400 farmers. We have a team of 40 people engaged in these operations. We have our offices at Bhagalpur, Patna and Daudnagar.
We have just started to get a feel of canvas of Bihar which we will be painting with developmental activities. We are again rejuvenated and feeling like fresh and beginner. Its a great feeling to say no and feel secure that we have enough on plate. Financially , the things are improving. We have lined up nine lending agencies over last three years and many grant making agencies . The BDT group has a corpus equity of Rs.30,00,000 through contributions from promoters, friends, well wishers, grant making agencies etc.
It does not means that we do not need financial support from you. You can keep contributing to Bihar Development Trust. Its an idea to build an organisation like TATA or infosys scale in Bihar and its foundation has been laid. We have to go through lot of struggles and challenges in future and we have to mentally prepared for it. Each stage of organisation life cycle brings its own challenges. We are going to consolidate and spread BDT culture in our 5 offices stretched across Bhagalpur, Patna and Aurangabad. We want to create a culture of excellence and never give up attitude in BDT Group. At this stage, I would like to sincerely thank all the colleagues of BDT group from office boy to accounts and MIS to area managers for their contribution in BDT growth. The chant of Jai Bihar in our offices and group meeting fills our heart with Pride.
Bihar is rising from Phoenix and Its an idea whose time has come.
Jai Bihar!!!!
Jai Bharat!!!
Thank you all for reading the mails. We will keep sharing updates with you. We thank our donors for keeping faith in us. We need your continuous Feedback.
Regards
Dr. Ravi Chandra
Greetings!!!
Finally, we have learnt to say no and we are full of work. Over last three years, many people are wondering that when we will stop diversifying and consolidate. Finally, the founders and promoters are full of work mentally as well as physically. Our idea is Bihar and we want to work in domains which has the potential to impact and reach one million families in Bihar. Our idea was geography specific but not sector specific. Finally we are able to evolve a BDT model which will engage the families from input to marketing in each of the four verticals. BDT group is now present in Microfinance, Textile, Agriculture and Bamboo. Our outreach is 4000 families currently. We will reach 10000 families with our multiple activities in this year. We have designed innovative products for farmers in agriculture and bamboo. We have planned and tying up with reputed technical support agencies and individuals to provide technical inputs in textile, agri culture and bamboo based activities.
Microfinance has a potential to scale up in each district of Bihar supported by adequate livelihood activities. Similarly Agriculture based activities has the potential to reach almost every single family in Bihar. Bamboo based activities can be spread in south and east district of Bihar. While tusser silk weaver livelihood programme can be scaled up in Bhagalpur and can be integrated with other artisans based cluster like Madhubani.
In number terms, We lent around Rs. 200 lakhs to 3000 women borrowers . Our portfolio outstanding is Rs. 113 lacs approx. We insured Life of more than 5000 women and their husband. We provided employment to 50 weavers. We achieved a sales of Rs.10 lakhs in Tusser silk products. We achieved a sales of Rs.25,00,000 through sale of Banana and Vermicompost. Through our procurement initiatives, we provided benefits of better prices to 400 farmers. We have a team of 40 people engaged in these operations. We have our offices at Bhagalpur, Patna and Daudnagar.
We have just started to get a feel of canvas of Bihar which we will be painting with developmental activities. We are again rejuvenated and feeling like fresh and beginner. Its a great feeling to say no and feel secure that we have enough on plate. Financially , the things are improving. We have lined up nine lending agencies over last three years and many grant making agencies . The BDT group has a corpus equity of Rs.30,00,000 through contributions from promoters, friends, well wishers, grant making agencies etc.
It does not means that we do not need financial support from you. You can keep contributing to Bihar Development Trust. Its an idea to build an organisation like TATA or infosys scale in Bihar and its foundation has been laid. We have to go through lot of struggles and challenges in future and we have to mentally prepared for it. Each stage of organisation life cycle brings its own challenges. We are going to consolidate and spread BDT culture in our 5 offices stretched across Bhagalpur, Patna and Aurangabad. We want to create a culture of excellence and never give up attitude in BDT Group. At this stage, I would like to sincerely thank all the colleagues of BDT group from office boy to accounts and MIS to area managers for their contribution in BDT growth. The chant of Jai Bihar in our offices and group meeting fills our heart with Pride.
Bihar is rising from Phoenix and Its an idea whose time has come.
Jai Bihar!!!!
Jai Bharat!!!
Thank you all for reading the mails. We will keep sharing updates with you. We thank our donors for keeping faith in us. We need your continuous Feedback.
Regards
Dr. Ravi Chandra
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Farmer Service Center- BDT Agriculture Programme
At present, Bihar Development Trust is piloting a farmer service center for which funds have been raised on loan. We plan to open the Center at Daudnagar, Aurangabad which is 25 km off the GT Road. The members will be small farmers owning less than one acre of land and sharecropper who do the farming for absentee landlords. The concept is aggregation of produce and gain economies of scale for better market linkage. Farmers will be organized in producers groups. We will provide following services to the farmers.
a. Fertilizers
b. Vermicompost
c. Pesticides
d. Good quality seeds
e. Training on systematic rice intensification and systematic wheat intensification technology
f. Price discovery with help of internet
g. MCX display terminal
h. Purchase guarantee of produce
i. Seed farming
j. Loan facilitation services from Banks/Microfinance
k. Crop Insurance facilities
l. Marketing of Produce
We will seek licenses from government authorities to provide above mentioned services and products to the farmers. We are negotiating with 5-6 reputed Agri- business companies for sale of the products. We plan to pilot one center in this year and scale up to 10 centers in next 2-3 years. In next 10 years, company plans to open 500 agriculture service centers, one in each block of Bihar.
a. Fertilizers
b. Vermicompost
c. Pesticides
d. Good quality seeds
e. Training on systematic rice intensification and systematic wheat intensification technology
f. Price discovery with help of internet
g. MCX display terminal
h. Purchase guarantee of produce
i. Seed farming
j. Loan facilitation services from Banks/Microfinance
k. Crop Insurance facilities
l. Marketing of Produce
We will seek licenses from government authorities to provide above mentioned services and products to the farmers. We are negotiating with 5-6 reputed Agri- business companies for sale of the products. We plan to pilot one center in this year and scale up to 10 centers in next 2-3 years. In next 10 years, company plans to open 500 agriculture service centers, one in each block of Bihar.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
BDT wishes you a very Happy Holi and Sharing BDT updates
Dear Friends,
Greetings!!!
On the eve of Holi, I am writing this update mail. Bihar Development Trust wishes you and your family a very happy Holi. Enjoy it to the maximum.
It has been more than two months that I have not written mail about the progress made by Bihar Development Trust. Reasons are many. The last BDT update mail resulted in cancellation of grant for a livelihood project by ITC. They were upset about certain remarks in that mail. I never knew that BDT updates are read so widely and can have serious repercussions. BDT update has always resulted in positive contribution to the Trust. Sharing about BDT is an idea to let thousands of people know across the world that something positive is happening in Bihar and it’s on right path. It is a transparency tool for us. Anyone who is tracking BDT updates over three years can feel the growth and work. I feel happy that many people now wait for BDT updates and I am grateful to those who keep saving the BDT update mails.
At present, BDT update mails are sent to more than 5000 people who are in my address book and shared through blog, Orkut and face book.
BDT was started with a dream , never say die spirit and it’s on way to make those dreams true. The struggle has been painful but worthwhile. The efforts have not resulted in any big or earthshaking impacts or changed the Bihar. But yes, It has given hope. Hope for a better Bihar. Many of my friends and even unknown young professionals who come in touch with us have started believing after listening to our story. To this grass root work, you can add the impact of positive TV and print media publicity of Bihar. The belief that has been shared by few people in 2006 has now been shared by 1000s of people.
To say the least, Bihar Development Trust has survived. It has been possible due to the 50 people who believed in us in 2007-2008 and given us their hard earned money. We have returned the loan to many of them and in process of returning. It’s the intent that matter not the value. These 50 people believed in BDT when nobody even gave slimmest of chance to survive. We survived the recession. We conquered our own self doubts. We are grateful to many friends who continuously counsel us when we have bogged down by our own self doubts.
January 2009 resulted in BDT achieving Rs. 1 crore outstanding which is an important milestone. This is the other reason for delayed BDT update as we were busy in somehow crossing that Rs 1 crore outstanding figure. The feeling has sunk in now. We have disbursed Rs. 2.5 crore worth loans to 2700 women borrowers till date. We have provided life insurance services to 4000 men and women who are linked to our micro finance program. These 2000 families are saving Rs. 10 a week in a saving box that is creating a corpus for any unforeseen circumstances. We have been providing loan to rickshaw puller so that they can own their own rickshaw. Till date, 32 rickshaw pullers have been provided rickshaw. We hope to provide more in coming days. We are planning to provide credit to farmers through our farmer service center initiative. We will be promoting farmer groups whose produce will be aggregated and marketed by us.
Bahia Development Trust is trying to evolve in as an organization which not only provides credit but also input, business development services and market the produce of small producers. We have been trying to promote producer groups among weavers at Bhagalpur. Recently, Mr. Dev Kumar Dubey has been made member of a task force constituted by DM,Bhagalpur for creating a sustainable livelihood model for weavers at Bhagalpur.
Bihar Development Trust has been an initiative which is trying to create an platform on which professionally qualified youth can join and realize their own destiny. It has been started by two management professionals and it has grown into 4 management professionals in promoter profile and 3 management professionals in team leader profiles. It has been ably supported by 30 other team members who are working to realize the dreams of Bihar Development Trust.
I would like to state that the views are entirely mine and it reflects my understanding of work of Bihar Development Trust.
Please visit www.bihardev.org and www.bihardev.pbworks.com to know more. We are trying to become more and more transparent through these two websites.
I will welcome any feedback or queries regarding the work of Bihar Development Trust.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and express our gratitude for providing us financial and moral support to this initiative.
Thank you for reading such a long mail.
Regards
Ravi Chandra
Greetings!!!
On the eve of Holi, I am writing this update mail. Bihar Development Trust wishes you and your family a very happy Holi. Enjoy it to the maximum.
It has been more than two months that I have not written mail about the progress made by Bihar Development Trust. Reasons are many. The last BDT update mail resulted in cancellation of grant for a livelihood project by ITC. They were upset about certain remarks in that mail. I never knew that BDT updates are read so widely and can have serious repercussions. BDT update has always resulted in positive contribution to the Trust. Sharing about BDT is an idea to let thousands of people know across the world that something positive is happening in Bihar and it’s on right path. It is a transparency tool for us. Anyone who is tracking BDT updates over three years can feel the growth and work. I feel happy that many people now wait for BDT updates and I am grateful to those who keep saving the BDT update mails.
At present, BDT update mails are sent to more than 5000 people who are in my address book and shared through blog, Orkut and face book.
BDT was started with a dream , never say die spirit and it’s on way to make those dreams true. The struggle has been painful but worthwhile. The efforts have not resulted in any big or earthshaking impacts or changed the Bihar. But yes, It has given hope. Hope for a better Bihar. Many of my friends and even unknown young professionals who come in touch with us have started believing after listening to our story. To this grass root work, you can add the impact of positive TV and print media publicity of Bihar. The belief that has been shared by few people in 2006 has now been shared by 1000s of people.
To say the least, Bihar Development Trust has survived. It has been possible due to the 50 people who believed in us in 2007-2008 and given us their hard earned money. We have returned the loan to many of them and in process of returning. It’s the intent that matter not the value. These 50 people believed in BDT when nobody even gave slimmest of chance to survive. We survived the recession. We conquered our own self doubts. We are grateful to many friends who continuously counsel us when we have bogged down by our own self doubts.
January 2009 resulted in BDT achieving Rs. 1 crore outstanding which is an important milestone. This is the other reason for delayed BDT update as we were busy in somehow crossing that Rs 1 crore outstanding figure. The feeling has sunk in now. We have disbursed Rs. 2.5 crore worth loans to 2700 women borrowers till date. We have provided life insurance services to 4000 men and women who are linked to our micro finance program. These 2000 families are saving Rs. 10 a week in a saving box that is creating a corpus for any unforeseen circumstances. We have been providing loan to rickshaw puller so that they can own their own rickshaw. Till date, 32 rickshaw pullers have been provided rickshaw. We hope to provide more in coming days. We are planning to provide credit to farmers through our farmer service center initiative. We will be promoting farmer groups whose produce will be aggregated and marketed by us.
Bahia Development Trust is trying to evolve in as an organization which not only provides credit but also input, business development services and market the produce of small producers. We have been trying to promote producer groups among weavers at Bhagalpur. Recently, Mr. Dev Kumar Dubey has been made member of a task force constituted by DM,Bhagalpur for creating a sustainable livelihood model for weavers at Bhagalpur.
Bihar Development Trust has been an initiative which is trying to create an platform on which professionally qualified youth can join and realize their own destiny. It has been started by two management professionals and it has grown into 4 management professionals in promoter profile and 3 management professionals in team leader profiles. It has been ably supported by 30 other team members who are working to realize the dreams of Bihar Development Trust.
I would like to state that the views are entirely mine and it reflects my understanding of work of Bihar Development Trust.
Please visit www.bihardev.org and www.bihardev.pbworks.com to know more. We are trying to become more and more transparent through these two websites.
I will welcome any feedback or queries regarding the work of Bihar Development Trust.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and express our gratitude for providing us financial and moral support to this initiative.
Thank you for reading such a long mail.
Regards
Ravi Chandra
Monday, December 14, 2009
BDT UPDATES
Dear Friends,
Greetings from BDT!!!
I am very happy to share BDT progress with you on a regular basis. Over last 30 months, I have tried my best to inform all of you to about the progress of Bihar Development Trust on monthly basis. My sincere apologies for the delay for this update as I got married on 1st of Dec 2009. So, I was unable to write mails due to various marriage rituals spread over a week and preparations over a month.
Bihar Development Trust is making steady progress as planned although slow. We are now a diversified group having interest in Microfinance, Textile and Agribusiness. We are working with Women, rickshaw pullers, weavers, farmers as distinct groups and providing them various services. We are slowly taking shape of conglomerate and emerging as platform where various ideas and people with entrepreneur mind can converge. There is a heartening trend with us as lot of IITians and MBAs from reputed B schools are contacting us for working as partners on BDT platform.
On Microfinance front, BDT has disbursed around 2300 loans of value around 185 lakhs to women borrowers. The portfolio outstanding is 85 lakhs. It is heartening to note that women borrowers of Bihar have honestly returned us over Rs.100 lakhs in last two years. Our confidence in microfinance is increasing day by day and we are very bullish about it. The systems and processes are in place. The banks are very slow in lending in Bihar which is affecting our growth. Our proposals are moving with SBI,UBI,SIDBI, NABARD with its own pace over months. But, we are optimistic and have no choice but keep following up and wait. We have offered personal guarantee to get loans but still loan is eluding BDT. We are trying our best to get loans and grow the microfinance operation. The delay is keeping 100s of women borrower waiting for loans for months. We are trying our best to meet the demand.
On Tasar Silk front, The progress has been good. We have increased the numbers of weavers to be supported by us. Champa Nagar is the new cluster being explored in Bhagalpur. AIACA and SDTT has given us funds. 25 weavers will get pucca floors and work place, toilets and lodipur village will get drainage facility and drinking water facility. Lodipr village will become neat and clean. By provision of clean drinking water and good sanitation, there health cost will decrease by 80%. This support will help the 50 families of Lodipur to improve their quality of lives. Order are coming from Kamdhenu Trust, CFM, and two NRI people from Bihar. We are scaling up. We have been conducting workshop with our weavers on contemporary designs. Fashion designers are visiting Bhagalpur on BDT behalf and training the weavers. The silk initiative has the potential to change the lives of weavers BDT is working with.
On agribusiness front, we are learning the supply chain management. We have supplied 300 tonnes of vermicompost to JEEVIKA programme of Govt of Bihar which will help 1000s of farmers to use it for systemic wheat intensification and increase per acre yield of wheat. The demand was given on very short notice and we managed to supply 40 trucks to districts like Mujaffarpur, khagaria, Nalanda and Purnia. We will be opening Kisan Sewa Kendra in two block of Bihar on pilot basis. These Kisan Sewa Kendra will provide input services like seeds, diesal gensets on rent for irrigation, fertilisers, vermicompost, SRI and SWI techiniques, Processing facilitation, price discovery, internet services, storage facilities and marketing services to farmers. Agri knowledge expert will be hired from rural areas who may not be 10th pass and will be assisted by Agriculture graduates and agri scientists. Workshops will be conducted for farmers to increase production and earn more value out of per unit of land. The focus are on small and marginal farmers.
We have got sanction letter from ITC to start incense stick manufacturing in Jamui. It will create employment of 100 persons around the center. ITC people have finally send the letter but they are too confused and afraid to start it in Naxalite affected region. We believe everyone needs employment and sustainable economic activity. We are hopeful of ITC will release the money and center will be started. Without basic processing machines, we can not supply bamboo slices to SHG members to be converted into incense sticks. Without Gen sets, the machines can not be operated. ITC programme officers are unable to understand the basic issues of production. They are more afraid of naxalites damaging the production center.
One of the problems we are facing is the sector specific focus of donor agencies. Every one is saying that this is age of specialisation. Everyone is advising not to diversify. Microfinance donor says that do only microfinance. But they do not understand that Bihar does not need only microfinance. Lot of work needs to be done simultaneously to develop a geography. Our focus is Bihar as a geography not microfinance as an activity. Creating employment and livelihood opportunities for millions of people of Bihar is our goal. They should earn well in their home and improve their quality of life. Microfinance support the livelihood by providing capital to grow of business for entrepreneurs who know how to do business. Not everyone can use credit and start their own. We tried to provide microfinance loans to weavers but failed. They needed work which can be created by bringing orders. So, we focussed on marketing for weavers so that they get work. Farmers need lot of inputs besides microfinance. We are planning to learn with farmers and become farmers ourselves and demonstrate the kind of money creation opportunities in agriculture.
We are ready to burn our fingers. We found out that we are not smart guys who learns from other mistakes and read from books. We went through the destruction of our microfinance and livelihood and supply chain knowledge and learn hard way when groups failed, when truckers refused to send trucks after promising and when driver refused to drive the truck after banana got loaded on Trucks. We are finding the truth of life that we read in MBA courses by doing the same mistakes that so called Guru profess. But, we are hellbent on surviving and making it Big. The ambition and passion for Bihar is increasing day by day. The harder some body hit us , the harder we rebound. We are learning that there are groups that are afraid of our emergence. This include the professionally qualified groups as well as entrepreneurs. We can grow together and make a better Bihar. We can create win win solutions together. We need all kind of entrepreneurs who can create employment.
BDT is emerging as a platform for economic development and taking a shape of movement. We are confident that we will get 500 energetic youth , one for each block of Bihar who will lead development in their block and create employment and wealth through their entrepreneurial ventures. We started as two and now we are four professionals managing various functions. We are getting queries from 3-4 more persons who have impeccable degrees and passion. As for families whom they belong, they have gone mad. Bihar needs such mad people. The movement for Bihar Development is gathering pace and we can feel it.
We are thankful to FWWB, BASIX, RGVN,TMN,INDIAN BANK, PNB, AIF, SIDBI, CFM, Kamdhenu Trust, Ford Foundation, SDTT, AIACA,ITC and many others for supporting BDT and believing in the cause of Bihar Development.
Thank you for reading such a long post.
Regards
Dr. Ravi Chandra
Greetings from BDT!!!
I am very happy to share BDT progress with you on a regular basis. Over last 30 months, I have tried my best to inform all of you to about the progress of Bihar Development Trust on monthly basis. My sincere apologies for the delay for this update as I got married on 1st of Dec 2009. So, I was unable to write mails due to various marriage rituals spread over a week and preparations over a month.
Bihar Development Trust is making steady progress as planned although slow. We are now a diversified group having interest in Microfinance, Textile and Agribusiness. We are working with Women, rickshaw pullers, weavers, farmers as distinct groups and providing them various services. We are slowly taking shape of conglomerate and emerging as platform where various ideas and people with entrepreneur mind can converge. There is a heartening trend with us as lot of IITians and MBAs from reputed B schools are contacting us for working as partners on BDT platform.
On Microfinance front, BDT has disbursed around 2300 loans of value around 185 lakhs to women borrowers. The portfolio outstanding is 85 lakhs. It is heartening to note that women borrowers of Bihar have honestly returned us over Rs.100 lakhs in last two years. Our confidence in microfinance is increasing day by day and we are very bullish about it. The systems and processes are in place. The banks are very slow in lending in Bihar which is affecting our growth. Our proposals are moving with SBI,UBI,SIDBI, NABARD with its own pace over months. But, we are optimistic and have no choice but keep following up and wait. We have offered personal guarantee to get loans but still loan is eluding BDT. We are trying our best to get loans and grow the microfinance operation. The delay is keeping 100s of women borrower waiting for loans for months. We are trying our best to meet the demand.
On Tasar Silk front, The progress has been good. We have increased the numbers of weavers to be supported by us. Champa Nagar is the new cluster being explored in Bhagalpur. AIACA and SDTT has given us funds. 25 weavers will get pucca floors and work place, toilets and lodipur village will get drainage facility and drinking water facility. Lodipr village will become neat and clean. By provision of clean drinking water and good sanitation, there health cost will decrease by 80%. This support will help the 50 families of Lodipur to improve their quality of lives. Order are coming from Kamdhenu Trust, CFM, and two NRI people from Bihar. We are scaling up. We have been conducting workshop with our weavers on contemporary designs. Fashion designers are visiting Bhagalpur on BDT behalf and training the weavers. The silk initiative has the potential to change the lives of weavers BDT is working with.
On agribusiness front, we are learning the supply chain management. We have supplied 300 tonnes of vermicompost to JEEVIKA programme of Govt of Bihar which will help 1000s of farmers to use it for systemic wheat intensification and increase per acre yield of wheat. The demand was given on very short notice and we managed to supply 40 trucks to districts like Mujaffarpur, khagaria, Nalanda and Purnia. We will be opening Kisan Sewa Kendra in two block of Bihar on pilot basis. These Kisan Sewa Kendra will provide input services like seeds, diesal gensets on rent for irrigation, fertilisers, vermicompost, SRI and SWI techiniques, Processing facilitation, price discovery, internet services, storage facilities and marketing services to farmers. Agri knowledge expert will be hired from rural areas who may not be 10th pass and will be assisted by Agriculture graduates and agri scientists. Workshops will be conducted for farmers to increase production and earn more value out of per unit of land. The focus are on small and marginal farmers.
We have got sanction letter from ITC to start incense stick manufacturing in Jamui. It will create employment of 100 persons around the center. ITC people have finally send the letter but they are too confused and afraid to start it in Naxalite affected region. We believe everyone needs employment and sustainable economic activity. We are hopeful of ITC will release the money and center will be started. Without basic processing machines, we can not supply bamboo slices to SHG members to be converted into incense sticks. Without Gen sets, the machines can not be operated. ITC programme officers are unable to understand the basic issues of production. They are more afraid of naxalites damaging the production center.
One of the problems we are facing is the sector specific focus of donor agencies. Every one is saying that this is age of specialisation. Everyone is advising not to diversify. Microfinance donor says that do only microfinance. But they do not understand that Bihar does not need only microfinance. Lot of work needs to be done simultaneously to develop a geography. Our focus is Bihar as a geography not microfinance as an activity. Creating employment and livelihood opportunities for millions of people of Bihar is our goal. They should earn well in their home and improve their quality of life. Microfinance support the livelihood by providing capital to grow of business for entrepreneurs who know how to do business. Not everyone can use credit and start their own. We tried to provide microfinance loans to weavers but failed. They needed work which can be created by bringing orders. So, we focussed on marketing for weavers so that they get work. Farmers need lot of inputs besides microfinance. We are planning to learn with farmers and become farmers ourselves and demonstrate the kind of money creation opportunities in agriculture.
We are ready to burn our fingers. We found out that we are not smart guys who learns from other mistakes and read from books. We went through the destruction of our microfinance and livelihood and supply chain knowledge and learn hard way when groups failed, when truckers refused to send trucks after promising and when driver refused to drive the truck after banana got loaded on Trucks. We are finding the truth of life that we read in MBA courses by doing the same mistakes that so called Guru profess. But, we are hellbent on surviving and making it Big. The ambition and passion for Bihar is increasing day by day. The harder some body hit us , the harder we rebound. We are learning that there are groups that are afraid of our emergence. This include the professionally qualified groups as well as entrepreneurs. We can grow together and make a better Bihar. We can create win win solutions together. We need all kind of entrepreneurs who can create employment.
BDT is emerging as a platform for economic development and taking a shape of movement. We are confident that we will get 500 energetic youth , one for each block of Bihar who will lead development in their block and create employment and wealth through their entrepreneurial ventures. We started as two and now we are four professionals managing various functions. We are getting queries from 3-4 more persons who have impeccable degrees and passion. As for families whom they belong, they have gone mad. Bihar needs such mad people. The movement for Bihar Development is gathering pace and we can feel it.
We are thankful to FWWB, BASIX, RGVN,TMN,INDIAN BANK, PNB, AIF, SIDBI, CFM, Kamdhenu Trust, Ford Foundation, SDTT, AIACA,ITC and many others for supporting BDT and believing in the cause of Bihar Development.
Thank you for reading such a long post.
Regards
Dr. Ravi Chandra
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