Sa-Dhan Joins Hands with IIBF for a New Certification Course in Microfinance

New Delhi [India], November 28:  Sa-Dhan, an RBI recognized Self – Regulatory Organisation (SRO) and an association of Microfinance and Impact Finance Institutions, has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), the premier institute in the country for administering various courses in the banking sector, to launch a new certification course for training the new employees of microfinance institutions, as well as, to provide a career for those interested in joining the microfinance industry as a career. The course has been developed jointly with Sa-Dhan, the largest and oldest association and an SRO for microfinance institutions.

Quality manpower shortage and higher staff attrition rates are problems being faced by the microfinance industry. The attrition of base-level staff is more than 50% and even 60% in many cases. This also contributes to the poor asset quality in the microfinance sector, as the change in field staff disrupts their smooth functioning, leading to even collection issues. Moreover,when new employees are often recruited, the MFIs need more time to train them well before putting on the job.

“Staff attrition, especially at the field level, is an issue all MFIs face. The attrition rates are very high, which can affect the functioning of MFIs and cause collection issues. We have done a study recently to understand the reasons for this large-scale attrition in the sector. Among the various reasons, the lack of a quality training programme was also one. Another issue faced by MFIs is the lack of quality candidates for recruitment. This effort of starting a new course by IIBF for new employees and job aspirants who want to join the microfinance industry will help resolve this issue to a great extent. I laud IIBF for the same,” Opined Mr Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO of Sa-Dhan.