Section 8 Microfinance
Empowering Communities Through Responsible Microfinance
Prothom Foundation's Section 8 Microfinance program provides affordable credit and financial services to the unbanked and underserved communities of Assam.
Section 8 Company · Not-for-Profit · RBI Registered
What is Section 8 Microfinance?
Prothom Foundation operates its microfinance activities under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 — a not-for-profit company structure that allows us to provide financial services to the poor without the profit motive that drives conventional lenders.
Our microfinance program focuses on Self Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), and individual borrowers in rural and semi-urban areas of Assam. We provide small, collateral-free loans to help families start or expand micro-enterprises, improve housing, fund education, and meet emergency needs.
All lending is conducted with full transparency, fair interest rates, and a strong emphasis on financial literacy — ensuring that borrowers are empowered, not burdened.
Financial products designed for you
Collateral-free loans with fair rates, flexible tenures, and doorstep service
Income Generation Loan
For micro-entrepreneurs to start or expand small businesses — tailoring, grocery shops, livestock, handicrafts, and more.
Loan Amount
₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000
Tenure
12 – 24 months
Interest Rate
18% p.a. (reducing)
Agriculture & Livelihood Loan
Seasonal credit for farmers and agricultural laborers to purchase seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and livestock.
Loan Amount
₹15,000 – ₹75,000
Tenure
6 – 18 months
Interest Rate
16% p.a. (reducing)
Housing Improvement Loan
Affordable credit for rural families to repair, renovate, or construct pucca homes and sanitation facilities.
Loan Amount
₹25,000 – ₹1,50,000
Tenure
24 – 36 months
Interest Rate
15% p.a. (reducing)
Education Loan
Interest-subsidized loans to help families meet school fees, uniforms, books, and vocational training costs.
Loan Amount
₹5,000 – ₹50,000
Tenure
12 – 24 months
Interest Rate
12% p.a. (reducing)
Who Can Apply?
- Women aged 18–60 years residing in rural or semi-urban areas of Assam
- Members of a registered Self Help Group (SHG) with at least 6 months of savings history
- Joint Liability Group (JLG) members with 3–10 co-borrowers
- Individual borrowers with a verifiable income source and local residence proof
- No existing overdue loans with any MFI or bank at the time of application
- Household annual income below ₹3,00,000 (rural) or ₹3,60,000 (urban)
Building Strength Through Collective Savings
Our SHG program brings together 10–20 women from the same village to save regularly, build a common fund, and access credit collectively. Each group meets weekly, maintains accounts, and elects its own leadership.
Beyond credit, SHGs become platforms for social change — members discuss health, education, domestic issues, and government schemes. Over 850 SHGs have been formed across Hojai, Nagaon, and Karbi Anglong districts.
850+ SHGs active across Hojai, Nagaon, and Karbi Anglong districts
From application to disbursement in 6 steps
Group Formation
Form or join a Self Help Group or Joint Liability Group in your village with our field officer's guidance.
Financial Literacy Training
Attend a mandatory 2-day financial literacy workshop covering savings, credit, and responsible borrowing.
Loan Application
Submit your loan application with basic KYC documents — Aadhaar, ration card, and a passport photo.
Credit Appraisal
Our field officer visits your home and business to assess repayment capacity and loan purpose.
Disbursement
Approved loans are disbursed directly to your bank account or Jan Dhan account within 7 working days.
Repayment & Support
Repay in weekly or monthly installments. Our team provides ongoing business mentoring and support.
"Before joining the SHG, I had no savings and no way to grow my small tailoring business. Prothom's loan helped me buy two more sewing machines. Today I employ three other women from my village."
Rekha Begum
SHG Member, Hojai District
Income Generation Loan — ₹40,000
eNACH & UPI Autopay for EMI Collection
Repay your EMIs automatically — no cash, no queues, no missed payments. Register a one-time mandate and your installment is collected on the due date every month.
eNACH
Bank MandateElectronic National Automated Clearing House
eNACH is an RBI-approved bank mandate that authorises Prothom Foundation to debit your EMI directly from your savings or Jan Dhan account on the scheduled date. Once registered, no action is needed from you each month.
How it works
Loan Sanction
Your loan is approved and EMI schedule is shared with you.
Mandate Registration
Our field officer helps you register the eNACH mandate via Aadhaar OTP or net banking on your phone.
Bank Approval
Your bank approves the mandate within 1–3 working days. You receive an SMS confirmation.
Auto-Debit on Due Date
On each EMI date, the exact installment amount is auto-debited. You get an SMS receipt.
Our field officer will assist you with mandate registration at no extra charge.
Register Your MandateUPI Autopay
UPI MandateUPI Autodebit / UPI Recurring Mandate
UPI Autopay (also called UPI Recurring Mandate) lets you set up automatic EMI payments through any UPI app — PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, or your bank's UPI app. Ideal for borrowers with smartphones and a linked UPI ID.
How it works
Share UPI ID
Provide your UPI ID (e.g. 9876543210@okaxis) to our field officer at the time of loan disbursement.
Mandate Request Sent
We send a UPI Autopay mandate request to your UPI app. Open the app and approve it.
One-Time Approval
Review the EMI amount, frequency, and end date, then confirm with your UPI PIN. Done — no further action needed.
Auto-Collect on Due Date
On each EMI date, the amount is auto-collected. You receive a notification in your UPI app.
Our field officer will assist you with mandate registration at no extra charge.
Register Your MandateFrequently Asked Questions
What if my account has insufficient balance on the EMI date?
Can I change my EMI date after mandate registration?
Is my bank account safe? Can Prothom debit any amount?
What if I want to prepay or close the loan early?
Ready to apply for a microfinance loan?
Contact your nearest Prothom Foundation field office or fill out our inquiry form. Our team will reach out within 48 hours.
Contact Our Microfinance Team
Call us
+91 3674 254 786
Email us
[email protected]