IIRM

  • Location:  Tezpur, Assam, India
  • Started microfinance operations:  January 2003
  • Unitus Partnership Start Date:  April 2007
  • Clients when partnership began:  5,800
  • Current clients served:  8,191


Background: IIRM was established in 2000 as a science and technology research firm. Microfinance activities started in 2003 and have since grown to become the primary activity of the firm. IIRM is currently a non-governmental organization (Society), and they have plans to transform into a non-banking financial company (NBFC) in 2008.

IIRM - Dhattateya HosagraharLeadership: IIRM is led by CEO Mr. Dhattateya Hosagrahar.

I can think of no better or more experienced microfinance advisors to guide us in our evolution than the team at Unitus. We are eager to continue making a difference in the lives of the poor and Unitus’s strategic support will enable us to reach many thousands more than might otherwise be possible.


Product offerings and clientele: In order to better serve their clientele's diverse needs, IIRM currently offers a range of loan products for different client segments. These include crop loans, income-generating loans, and education loans. The institution also offers micro-insurance products through partnership with mainstream insurance houses. IIRM's current clients include farmers, tea plantation workers, and small entrepreneurs.

Highlights and growth strategy: IIRM is focused on India's north-east. The region is dominated by the state of Assam (with an estimated populated of 30 million) and seven much smaller states (with a cumulative population of around 40 million). IIRM is currently focused on serving micro-entrepreneurs in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, but will expand into other states over time. The region has been historically marginalized and is increasingly gathering the interest of development practitioners.

IIRM started their microfinance activities in 2003; however their microfinance program really took off in December 2005 after winning some important funding relationships. Between December 2005 and April 2007 (when IIRM’s partnership with Unitus began) they had successfully added more than 5,000 clients. IIRM has a very strong local brand and as they have a “first-to-market” lead, they plan to continue their rapid growth by expanding their services to additional underserved markets in their region.

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