ADB & AHFL Signed USD 60 Million NCDs Deal to Offer Housing Loans to Low-Income

Current Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently signed a $60 million nonconvertible debentures financing agreement with Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (AHFL). This initiative aims to expand women’s access to housing loans in India. 

• Here are the key details:
• Purpose: The financing will help AHFL provide housing loans to women and address the shortage of financing in the low-income and affordable housing segment in India.
• Deployment: At least half of the funds will be deployed in the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• Background: India faces a significant housing shortage, estimated at 26.3 million homes in urban areas and nearly double that number in rural areas. Formal mortgage lending is limited to those with informal employment and lower-income groups.
• AHFL’s Focus: AHFL, a housing finance company in India, targets the low-income housing segment with an average loan ticket size of less than 1.5 million Indian rupees (around $17,976).
• This collaboration aims to fulfill the aspirations of economically weaker sections of society by creating a stronger network of self-owned, low-income houses.

Question:

1 What is the primary objective of the $60 million financing agreement between Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Aadhar Housing Finance Limited (AHFL)?

• A) To expand women's access to education
• B) To provide housing loans to women in India
• C) To enhance infrastructure in urban areas
• D) To support agricultural development

Answer: B) The financing will help AHFL provide housing loans to women and address the shortage of financing in the low-income and affordable housing segment in India.