BharatPe to facilitate Two-wheeler loans and Loans Against Mutual Funds

Mumbai, India, August 20, 2024 – BharatPe, India’s leading name in the fintech industry, today announced its foray into facilitation of secured loans for merchant partners on its platform. The company has launched facilitation of two-wheeler loans and Loans Against Mutual Funds (LAMF) for its existing merchant partners in the first phase. BharatPe has partnered with OTO Capital, an emerging digital commerce and lending platform, for enabling two-wheeler loans.  Additionally, the company has partnered with Volt Money to facilitate Loans Against Mutual Funds to its merchant partners. The company plans to expand this to a multi-product and multi-lender offering in the next phase.

BharatPe’s merchants can now avail two-wheeler loans of up to Rs. 2.5 lacs, at competitive interest rates, for their next two-wheeler purchase from OTO Capital. The loan application process is 100% digital and merchants have the option to choose the repayment period between 12- 48 months. With the launch of Loans Against Mutual Funds (LAMF) in partnership with Volt Money, BharatPe’s merchants can also avail loan of up to Rs. 1 crore against Mutual Funds.

Speaking on the launch, Nalin Negi, CEO, BharatPe, said, “BharatPe started out in 2018 with the objective of empowering millions of offline merchants with new-age fintech products that deliver value to their businesses. In 2019, we ventured into the facilitation of unsecured loans with the motto of addressing the US$ 0.5 trillion MSME credit gap that has acted as a blocker to the growth of this industry. Over the course of the last few years, we have made great progress and have facilitated unsecured loans of over Rs. 15,000 crores to our merchant partners. I am excited about the launch of the secured loans offerings as this further bolsters the credit portfolio enabled by BharatPe and underscores our commitment to enable credit access to our merchants. I would like to thank OTO Capital and Volt Money for joining hands with us to enable credit for our 1.3 crore+ merchant partners.”

Added Nalin “The launch of secured loans for BharatPe’s merchant partners will open a new monetization channel for us and also help us drive engagement with our merchants, by offering them an extensive portfolio of loan options to choose from. In the coming months, we will be adding new products in the secured loans category so as to cater to a wide set of requirements. I am confident that secured loans will have a significant contribution to our overall revenue in the coming months. We stay committed to empowering our merchant partners and will continue to roll out disruptive products that are relevant for them.”

Speaking on the launch of two-wheeler loans, Sumit Chhazed, C.E.O, OTO Capital, said, “We believe in the power of mobility to transform lives. Our mission is to make two-wheeler ownership accessible and affordable for every aspiring entrepreneur in India. Together, we are committed to providing accessible mobility solutions that will help businesses thrive. Our partnership with BharatPe is rooted in our shared commitment to empowering India’s entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we’re building a future where every business has the opportunity to thrive.”

Speaking about the launch of loans against mutual funds, Bharat Lamba, Co-founder & CBO at Volt Money, “We cannot be more excited about this strategic partnership with BharatPe. As a company, we closely identify with BharatPe’s mission of financial inclusion for Indian merchants. By providing instant loans against Mutual funds, we are uniquely positioned to meet the short-term liquidity and working capital needs of MSMEs, thus enabling and empowering them financially. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing low-cost 100% digital financing solutions to Indian businesses by unfurling them to BharatPe’s diverse large base of merchants.”

Both the two-wheeler loans and Loans Against Mutual Funds will be enabled on BharatPe platform. The loan disbursal and collections will be taken care of by the partner at their end. BharatPe is set to expand its offerings over the next three months, introducing a diverse range of products and lenders to meet the needs of merchants.

By Mr Sunil Bedi, Founder, JMD Group

The real estate industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing importance of green building practices. As sustainability becomes a key factor in decision-making for both developers and consumers, the adoption of eco-friendly construction methods is reshaping the market. Green building practices not only address environmental concerns but also offer economic and social benefits, making them a vital component of modern real estate development.

Defining Green Building Practices

Green building practices refer to the methods and principles used to create structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their lifecycle. These practices focus on several core aspects:

Energy Efficiency: Utilizing advanced technologies and designs to reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Sustainable Materials: Incorporating materials that have a minimal environmental impact, are recycled, or are sustainably sourced.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Implementing strategies to minimize the ecological footprint of buildings, such as using renewable energy sources and improving water efficiency.

Impact on Property Values

Green building practices significantly influence property values. Buildings that incorporate energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials often command higher prices in the market. For example, properties with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification are highly sought after due to their proven commitment to sustainability. As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for green buildings, leading to a positive effect on property prices.

Development and Investment Opportunities

The green building sector presents emerging opportunities for developers and investors. Successful green building projects demonstrate that eco-friendly construction can be both profitable and sustainable. For instance, the Bullitt Center in Seattle, known as the greenest commercial building in the world, has set a benchmark in the industry. Such projects attract investors looking for long-term gains and reduced risk, as green buildings tend to have lower operating costs and higher tenant retention rates.

Enhancements in Urban Living

Green building practices contribute to significant improvements in urban living. They promote healthier indoor environments through better air quality and natural lighting. Energy-efficient designs lead to reduced energy costs for occupants, while the use of sustainable materials ensures a lower environmental impact. These enhancements not only improve the quality of life for residents but also drive demand for green properties as more people seek out sustainable living options.

Conclusion

The future of real estate lies in embracing green building practices. As sustainability continues to shape the industry, developers, investors, and consumers must recognize the long-term benefits of eco-friendly construction. By focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and reduced environmental impact, green building practices offer a pathway to a more sustainable and prosperous future in real estate.

udaan Partners with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and SIDBI to transform Fair Price Shops into ‘Jan Poshan Kendras’

New Delhi, August 20, 2024: udaan, India’s leading eB2B platform, today announced a partnership with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to transform Fair Price Shops (FPSs) into ‘Jan Poshan Kendras (JPK)’. This initiative by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, is aimed to enhance the income of Fair Price Shops (FPS) dealers while improving nutritional outcomes for beneficiaries. The initiative further aims to provide upskilling, access to credit and ongoing financial support to FPS dealers, enabling them to offer nutrition-dense non-Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities at their shops.

The initiative was launched in the presence of Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy in New Delhi today. Also present at the occasion were Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director from SIDBI, and Vaibhav Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of udaan.

Vaibhav Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, udaan, said, “At udaan, our mission has always been to empower small businesses and create a more inclusive and efficient marketplace. The Jan Poshan Kendra Development initiative of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in association with SIDBI and udaan, is a significant step towards achieving that vision. By modernising Jan Poshan Kendra and expanding their access to a diverse range of products, the initiative aims to empower these essential community businesses while contributing to the broader goal of ensuring that every Indian has access to quality and affordable nutrition. We are proud to be a part of this transformative initiative that will uplift both the small shops and the communities they serve.”

As part of this initiative, udaan will enable Jan Poshan Kendras to access a broader and more diverse assortment of food products through its eB2B platform. This will address the requirements such as the availability of wide variety of products, regular stocking of frequently demanded products, and the need to serve a large and diverse population. This initiative will provide the Jan Poshan Kendras with large variety and adequate quantity of nutritional options at regular intervals to cater to the communities in the areas they are present.

Under the pilot initiative, approximately 60 selected Fair Price Shops (15 FPSs from each pilot district/ state) across four States: Rajasthan (Jaipur), Uttar Pradesh (Ghaziabad) Telangana (Hyderabad), and Gujarat (Ahmedabad) have been identified. Post a successful validation of the model, the initiative aims to expand and cover ~1.3 lakh Jan Poshan Kendras identified by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for modernisation. To provide impetus to this initiative through financial assistance, SIDBI will offer credit facilities to these Jan Poshan Kendra, enabling them to purchase food grains and FMCG products through udaan’s platform. As part of the pilot project being undertaken in various States, udaan will offer access to over 3500 products across various staples and FMCG categories, ensuring that Jan Poshan Kendras can meet the diverse nutritional needs of their communities. This initiative is a significant step towards realising the Government’s vision of a healthy and well-nourished India.

By being part of this initiative, Jan Poshan Kendras will immensely benefit from quality products at affordable pricing, a wider variety of food products and selections, better product availability, and enhanced convenience of ordering anytime. In turn, the underserved communities that they serve will gain access to a broader range of essential nutritional options at various price points, thereby improving their overall nutrition.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and SIDBI, udaan has already conducted multiple educational workshops for Jan Poshan Kendra owners, educating them on the benefits and opportunities provided by this initiative. The response from shop owners has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong support and enthusiasm for the initiative.

Located strategically between Delhi and Gurgaon, Dwarka Expressway has emerged as one of the most attractive property destinations.

By Mr. Vijay Jain, Managing Director, Star Estate

Unlike the traditional property hotspots in Delhi-NCR, Dwarka Expressway stands out with its well-planned infrastructure and superb connectivity. Its proximity to key landmarks, including Indira Gandhi International Airport and the upcoming Diplomatic Enclave, makes this corridor a perfect investment destination for residential and commercial real estate.

As the Expressway ensures a high level of accessibility and convenience the location has emerged as an attractive choice for both the investors and homeowners. Dwarka Expressway is also characterized by its state-of-the-art infrastructure. If we compare this location with all the other property destinations in Delhi-NCR, Dwarka Expressway has set a distinctive high standard for modern urban living. Touted as a game changer, the Dwarka Expressway property market offers well-designed residential and commercial spaces. Buoyed by the high sentiments of the investors, the property values in this burgeoning real estate market have appreciated significantly.

While there is high demand in this market, the rising property values have increased interest from top developers. Already the early investors at this location are reaping rich rewards in the form of significant returns on their investments. The area’s appeal is further enhanced by the ongoing development of world-class amenities and infrastructure.

As gradually more and more real estate projects are nearing possession, the potential for capital appreciation is amplifying manifold.

Another important hallmark of this location that particularly attracts end-users is its contribution to offering a balanced lifestyle. While providing modern living and luxurious amenities, most of the residential projects along Dwarka Expressway are designed to offer a distinctive blend of luxury and convenience.

In terms of amenities, the area boasts everything from landscaped gardens and clubhouses to world-class fitness centers and recreational facilities, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences. Meanwhile, the real estate players at Dwarka Expressway are focused on providing high-quality living. It has swiftly emerged as a premier destination for real estate investment.

However, before finalising a property at Dwarka Expressway, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research. In this process, the consultation with experienced real estate professionals equally remains crucial. It is important to make informed investment decisions. As opportunities are aplenty, the investors should fully understand the available options. Taking into consideration all these factors, and by understanding the market dynamics the investors and the homebuyers can capitalize on the high potential Dwarka Expressway real estate markets.