Poverty alleviation and a sustainable growth approach: A case study on Bandhan

This case study delves into Bandhan, one of India’s pioneering financial institutions and its integrated approach toward eradicating poverty through sustainable development. Coming from an origin that started as a microfinance organization in 2001 and rising to becoming full-fledged by 2015, Bandhan is striding its path toward the betterment of marginalized and underserved communities, particularly women, in rural areas. The case study covers the Bandhan model which integrates microfinance, financial literacy, and social development in health, education, and building skills. The point here is to focus on how the institution can work on facilitating women empowerment, entrepreneurship, and structural causes of poverty. It further analysed the challenges found in scaling up, economic shocks, and sustainable long-term development while maintaining a commercial banking service. Bandhan’s success speaks volumes about how a financial institution can be of service in the tackling of poverty through a comprehensive and sustainable approach. It has thrown significant light into the possibility of microfinance and inclusive banking as catalysts in the promotion of socioeconomic development. DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199651531.2026.25-39.