Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) has appointed Dr Aruna Sharma as a fourth Independent Member of its Board.
The premier industry association and Self-Regulatory Organiation (SRO) for the microfinance industry in India announced the appointment at its 66th Board Meeting held on 6th March 2019.
Dr Sharma will not be a part of MFIN’s Governing Board which now includes twelve members of which seven elected members represent the leadership of MFIN member NBFC-MFIs, one from MFIN Associates and four are Independent Board Members.
The Governing Board ensures accomplishment of the organisation’s broad goals of the by offering overall direction to its activities, maintainly the healthy development of the NBFC-MFI industry.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Aruna Sharma to the Governing Board of MFIN. She joins us at a time when the sector is witnessing many positive changes and we believe her expertise and knowledge will hold MFIN in good stead, allowing us to pursue our goals of responsible lending and client protection in the business of microfinance. We wish her all the best for her new role,” said Harsh Shrivastava, CEO, MFIN.
“With a deep sense of duty and high resolve, I accept this new responsibility. It is indeed an honor to be part of such a noble industry that is working towards financial inclusion and women empowerment while filling the credit access gap at the grassroots level. I hope that through my experience I will be able to contribute in strengthening the policy framework as well as replicating best practices that aim at client protection, satisfaction and well-being,” said Dr Aruna Sharma, on being appointed as one of the board members.
Dr Sharma is a retired Indian Administrative Service Officer of t 1982 batch from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
She retired as Secretary – Steel, Government of India in 2018. Prior to that, she was appointed as the Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
She also served as the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Madhya Pradesh.
She had been the Commissioner and Secretary of Public Health, Madhya Pradesh (MP) Government and as Managing Director of the MP Dairy Federation.
Dr Sharma holds a Master degree in Development Studies from the University of Bath, United Kingdom and a PhD in Development Economics from Delhi University.
Watch Special Address on Financial Inclusion by Aruna Sharma at elets Smart City Bhopal 2015 :
