Context

Context

Over the last two decades, the Indian economy has advanced at a very fast pace – making India not only the sixth largest economy of the world but also the fastest growing major economy in the world for a considerable period of time. However, the majority of that growth story has been driven by the powerful and successful corporations that mostly cater to the middle and upper class in the big cities.

This is also true for West Bengal – the place of our activities. The inequitable distribution of wealth is reflected in the fact that about 30 % of the urban population in West Bengal lies below the Poverty line with daily household earnings of 1.25 USD.

Kolkata, a bustling metropolis with a population of more than 15 million, is prime example of the unequal wealth distribution of wealth. Amidst the glitter and glamour and high-rises, millions also reside in slums with limited financial abilities and security. Added to this are health issues, lack of access to education and malnutrition. Therefore, there is immediate need for upliftment of this vulnerable section of the society and their integration with the growth story of India.

We believe that this is possible through providing them with access to opportunities for comprehensive financial and business development as well as social services. While the access to finance and business opportunities can help such disadvantaged households to tackle the handicap of low or no income, it is also imperative that one should ensure sustainable overall development for this class. It is important therefore to ensure that the families are not only provided with access to funds but also help them realize their talent which can help them to develop sustainable means of income. This can help them to beat the so called ‘poverty trap’.

Through our work we have witnessed that such families only need a small impetus to arouse their entrepreneurial intent and skills and push them into a path of overall sustainable development.

Sampurna is very aware of this socio-economic context in Kolkata and its twin neighbor of Howrah, and therefore continuously strives to provide not only financial assistance but also adequate guidance to such marginalized families to become entrepreneurs themselves and thereby find out a way for sustainable social development.