"Our principle is persuasion is better than prosecution. We make defaulters understand the problems they may face if they don't pay," Manju said. Giving examples of their success in Chennai, Manju said, "We have recovered loans by seizing schools and hospitals worth Rs 20 crore. Ten women, assisted by a videographer and a photographer were involved in drive."

Manju also said that there are a number of reasons for the success of women agents. "Defaulters, who are generally men, find it embarrassing to be addressed by a woman and hasten to pay up large parts of the loan," she said, adding, "Those who find it easy to bribe male recovery agents realize that they can't do the same with women."