Last year, floods in North Karnataka left many families including field staffs and customers devastated. Ujjivan was the first MFI to come forward to help the flood victims. In November this year, heavy rains destroyed the homes of 35 customers in the Chitradurga district in North Karnataka and Ujjivan, once more, lent a helping hand to the unfortunate victims.

The heavy rains which lashed the district destroyed customers’ homes and left many stranded without a roof. Ujjivan branch staffs and distribution supervisors immediately rushed to the affected sites and were shocked to see the intensity of damage caused. A quick brief report was prepared including the list of the affected areas and the customers who needed immediate financial aid along with food items since entire household groceries were also destroyed.

Ujjivan’s Management team immediately approved relief aid for 35 beneficiaries in form of cash or food grains or combination of both, based on intensity of damage and customers’ reqirements. Relief aid worth Rs.52000 was given to the affected families.

On the special request from customers, Ujjivan also allowed customers to reschedule their repayments to help customers rebuild their life and resume their occupations without having the burden of repayment to Ujjivan at such a difficult time.

The Flood Relief distribution program was conducted at Chitradurga branch, and was attended by Mr.C.P Patil, Lead District Manager. The program was also attended by the Social Development Program Committee Members, Customer Centre Leaders and Ujjivan staff.

Mr. Patil distributed the food grains and cash to the flood victims while appreciating Ujjivan’s efforts in helping and supporting customers’ families at a time of crisis. He acknowledged Ujjivan as the one and only MFI which had taken the initiative to help flood victims and provide full fledged support. For the customers who lost their houses, he promised to help to construct their houses through government relief fund and Namma Mane scheme, requesting Ujjivan supervisors to follow up with LDM regularly for making it happen.

The flood aid program was unexpected by customers and they expressed their high regard for the organisation, committing themselves to continuing their long term relationship.

Ujjivan started operations in Chitradurga in 2008 and serves almost 4000 customers. Ujjivan, along with sister organization: Parinaam Foundation, provides social services by conducting medical camps, financial literacy drives and nutritional programs for customers & their family members.