The central and state governments are continuously making efforts to increase women’s participation in the country and empower them financially. The Udyogini Scheme is considered an effective step in this direction. This scheme was launched specifically for women who wish to start their own small businesses but are held back due to lack of financial resources. Under this scheme, women are provided loans at low interest rates without any guarantee, enabling them to realise their dream businesses.
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Starting in Karnataka, the scheme spread across the country
The Udyogini Scheme was initiated in the state of Karnataka, but due to its usefulness and success, it was gradually implemented in other parts of the country. The objective of this scheme is to encourage women to become self-employed, enabling them to start small-scale industries such as sewing centers, beauty parlors, catering, bakeries, incense stick manufacturing, handicrafts, or gym centers. Through this scheme, the government not only provides financial assistance to women but also prepares them for entrepreneurship.
Which women can benefit from the Udyogini Scheme?
Women between the ages of 18 and 55 can benefit from this scheme. For women from the general category, the condition is that their family’s annual income should not exceed ₹1.5 lakh. However, widows and disabled women are exempted from this income limit. Keeping social justice in mind, women from the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are given special benefits, receiving a subsidy of up to 50 percent on the loan amount. Women from other categories receive a subsidy of up to 30 percent.
How much is the loan amount, and why is this scheme special?
Under the Udyogini Scheme, women are given loans ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh. The most important feature of this scheme is that there is no processing fee, and the loan repayment terms are quite easy. Approximately 88 types of government-recognised small-scale industries are covered under this scheme. If a woman has a training certificate or experience in an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) course, the loan approval process becomes even simpler.
Application Process and Required Documents
Applying for the Udyogini Scheme is very easy. Women must have an Aadhaar card, PAN card, income certificate, caste certificate, passport-size photo, and a project report for the proposed business. Interested women can apply by visiting their nearest bank branch or online through the myscheme.gov.in portal. After the loan is approved, the government also provides training in skill development and business management, enabling women to successfully grow their businesses.
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Why is the Udyogini Scheme important for women’s empowerment?
This scheme is not just a loan scheme, but a means to transform women’s lives. When a woman starts a sewing center or other business under this scheme and employs several people, she not only improves her own financial situation but also strengthens society. The Udyogini scheme empowers women by making them self-reliant, boosting their self-confidence and strengthening their contribution to the national economy.