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Efficiency of Micro Finance Institutions in India: A Stochastic Distance Function Approach

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  • Kumar, Nitin
  • Sensarma, Rudra

Abstract

We examine the efficiency-outreach debate in the context of Indian Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). We employ the stochastic distance function approach for 75 MFIs during 2004-2011. We find that there are significant inefficiency effects but efficiency is improving over time. Among the determinants of inefficiency, average loan balance per borrower and number of women borrowers appear to improve efficiency. This suggests that the efficiency-outreach debate is more nuanced than is presented in the literature and depends on the way outreach is defined. Profitability, size and leverage seem to increase efficiency whereas age of the MFI is associated with higher inefficiency.

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  • Kumar, Nitin & Sensarma, Rudra, 2017. "Efficiency of Micro Finance Institutions in India: A Stochastic Distance Function Approach," MPRA Paper 81064, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:81064
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    1. Wu, Wentao & Lin, Zhilu & Oghazi, Pejvak & Patel, Pankaj C., 2022. "The impact of demonetization on microfinance institutions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 1-18.
    2. Swati Chauhan, 2021. "Social and Financial Efficiency: A Study of Indian Microfinance Institutions," IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, , vol. 10(1), pages 31-43, January.
    3. Prabhjot Kaur, 2016. "Efficiency of Microfinance Institutions in India: Are They Reaching the Poorest of the Poor?," Vision, , vol. 20(1), pages 54-65, March.
    4. Noor Ulain Rizvi & Smita Kashiramka & Shveta Singh, 2018. "Basel I to Basel III: Impact of Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk of Banks in India," Journal of Emerging Market Finance, Institute for Financial Management and Research, vol. 17(1_suppl), pages 83-111, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Micro Finance Institutions; Efficiency; Stochastic Distance Function;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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