SKS Microfinance to offer solar lamps, groceries

SKS Microfinance Private Limited is planning to sell solar lamps and groceries to its members apart from marketing GSM handsets for a service provider. The company is currently finalising the strategy for solar lamps.

Speaking to Business Standard, SKS chief operating officer MR Rao said the company had shortlisted two solar lamp manufacturers and was working out the financial details. The solar lamps would be maintenance-free but would require occasional recharging of the battery, he added.

For providing groceries, Rao said SKS would partner local stores to supply the monthly rations. "Both the products "" solar lamps and groceries "" are well suited for the rural members," he said.

According to a survey conducted by the company, about 40 per cent of the members show an inclination for new products and services.

SKS, which first extended loans to buy Reliance CDMA handsets, is now working on a module to sell GSM handsets. It has so far sold 10,000 handsets in Nalgonda and Karimnagar.

"GSM phones have a better penetration in rural areas,"' he said. Like the earlier ones, these too will be pre-paid. He, however, did not disclose the name of the telecom partner.

The company would shortly conduct an impact study in the villages where the members have bought mobile phones.