From PMKVY to MUDRA: Government Backs 73,000+ Women Entrepreneurs Across India

In recent years, the Government of India has rolled out a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic empowerment of women. From financial assistance to skill-building programmes, these schemes play a vital role in enabling women to participate more actively in entrepreneurship and innovation. According to official data, more than 73,000 startups—nearly half of those supported under the Startup India Initiative—have at least 1 woman director, indicating a positive trend in women’s leadership across sectors.

Skill Development Programmes – Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Mahila Coir Yojana 

Skill development remains a cornerstone of women’s empowerment. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY) are designed to equip women with industry-relevant skills and training. While PMKVY offers short-term training in various sectors, MCY provides coir industry training specifically for rural women, enabling them to become self-reliant and financially independent.

Financial Assistance and Credit Schemes

To ease access to credit and facilitate entrepreneurship, the government has introduced multiple financial schemes:

• MUDRA Yojana: Offers collateral-free microfinance loans for small businesses.

• Stand-Up India: Facilitates loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for women and marginalised communities to start greenfield enterprises.

• Startup India: Provides mentoring, tax benefits, and funding support to foster a startup ecosystem inclusive of women.

In addition, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) and the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) offer financial backing and employment generation avenues for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Intellectual Property Benefits

Recognising the need for innovation and intellectual property protection, the government has extended several benefits to women entrepreneurs. Under the Indian Patent Act, women applicants enjoy a reduced patent filing fee and an expedited examination process. As a result, there has been a 905% surge in patent filings by women in the past 5 years, showcasing their growing presence in technology-driven ventures.

Support for the Informal Sector and Street Vendors

The Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme provides working capital loans to street vendors, including women, helping them restart or expand their micro-businesses post-pandemic. These small-scale initiatives are crucial for many women who form the backbone of the informal economy in India.

Dedicated Schemes from Nationalised Banks

Several public sector banks have also stepped forward with dedicated schemes for women-led businesses:

• Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana: Aids small-scale women entrepreneurs with soft loans for business expansion.

• Dena Shakti Scheme: Offers concessional interest rates to women in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing.

• Stree Shakti Package for Women Entrepreneurs: Provides interest rate concessions and collateral-free loans for women with majority ownership in enterprises.

• Cent Kalyani Scheme: Targets self-employed women and those running MSMEs, offering finance for both working capital and expansion.
  

A Step Forward in Nation-Building

These multifaceted efforts are part of a broader vision to empower women economically and foster inclusive growth. The schemes not only address the financial needs of women but also promote long-term socio-economic change by encouraging independence and innovation.

The information was shared by Ms. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underlining the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

From skill development to startup incubation and microfinance support, the Indian government has laid a strong foundation for women entrepreneurs to thrive. These initiatives signal a shift towards a more inclusive economic landscape, where women are increasingly seen as key drivers of growth and innovation.

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