Microfinance has been viewed as institutions to bridge the rural-urban development gap. These institutions are spreading across villages of Indian states and addressing the existing financial gaps of rural people, thereby provisioning effective means to cater livelihood activities of choice to survive. The syndrome of economic-development-through-institutional means is amply presented in this book, while questioning the very objective of formation of the institution. Historic perspective of microfinance journey is thoroughly captured. Broad models of MFI's being in practice by different institutions across the states of the country have been presented. Broad MFI regulation and control policies of state governments and the central government are succinctly captured. The operational modalities of SHG-mode of MFI operation are thoroughly gauged in a tribal dominated ITDA of Paderu, Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh. The book is giving a close development view of MFI in its operating regions. This book would be a base book for learners, practitioners of MFIs, NGOs, Donning agencies and various Government departments dealing with issues of rural development. The comprehensive information of MFIs i.e. formation, models, regulating policies and practical implications, provided in this book would certainly be a capsule information kit on MFIs.