Nabkisan Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of Nabard, has listed India’s first social bond dedicated exclusively to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), raising ₹180 crore to finance projects in rural and underserved communities.
The issue received strong investor interest and was oversubscribed 1.8 times. The five-year bond carries a coupon rate of 8.10 per cent, matures in September 2031 and has been assigned AAA ratings with a stable outlook by both CRISIL and CARE Ratings. Proceeds from the issue will be used to expand access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions, aimed at improving health outcomes, livelihoods and quality of life in rural areas.
The transaction was backed by multiple stakeholders, including Water.org as technical adviser and knowledge partner.