Help Indian Rickshaw-Pullers Become Self-Employed

Summary

The project creates a sustainable livelihood for poor, rural migrants living in urban India, helping them become self-employed through Rickshaw Bank. To date, 360 pullers have attained credit this way

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

There are 5 million rickshaw pullers in India. A random survey across the country reveals that 95% of rural migrants and unemployed men pull rickshaws to earn their bread on a daily-hire basis and continue that way throughout their lives. They are denied use of the post office or bank. Many who seek credit to purchase a new rickshaw become victims of high interest rates. Thus, the Rickshaw Bank acts as an alternative credit delivery system.

How will this project solve this problem?

Launch a program whereby the pullers come to own their own rickshaws, simply by paying the standard rent for 10 to 12 months.

Potential Long Term Impact

Apart from ownership of rickshaws, the project would provide social security and connect pullers with financial institutions. Holistic development of pullers' families--including health and children’s education-- would be facilitated.

Project Message

“Rickshaw Bank offers both visible and cost-effective sponsorship, the moral satisfaction of contributing to the sustainable development of families in Assam – and of families across India.”
- Mr. Carsten Stendevad, Global Corporate and Investment

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources