Sapna to Apna Rickshaw

After years of pulling in the face of poverty, rickshaw drivers are joining hands to form a collective that helps them access loans and own a vehicle..
Check out the link below to read an interesting article on AIF's "Rickshaw Sangh" by Usha Rai.

AIF has been promoting the Rickshaw Sangh programme since 2008 in Assam, Bihar, UP, Delhi and the NCR. Some 14,000 rickshaw pullers have been given vehicles. The ultimate goal is to financially assist one lakh rickshaw pullers to own a vehicle. Each rickshaw costs Rs 11,000 and the weekly repayment instalment is Rs 225. On joining the Rickshaw Sangh, members are entitled to a package of benefits that include two sets of uniforms, driving licence and municipal permit to ply their vehicle, life and vehicle insurance, a bank account, a solar lantern with battery backup, and a mobile phone with lifetime connection.

While the bank provides loans for buying the rickshaws, AIF provides the first loan default guarantee (FLDG) on behalf of its NGO partners. 

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2010/12/10/stories/2010121050050100.htm