Over the years, the Indian Government has introduced new and meaningful financial schemes for women. One such scheme that was primarily launched to promote women’s entrepreneurship is the Udyogini Yojana Scheme 2024.
What Is Udyogini Scheme?
The Udyogini scheme for women entrepreneurs is regulated by the Women Development Corporation and helps women to start their businesses. The Udyogini Yojana Scheme details include, some special categories of women can even receive interest-free loans. Disabled, widowed, destitute, and other special categories are eligible for the interest-free loan.
The Udyogini Scheme in Karnataka was started by KSWDC (Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation) with the support of a few banks. It was the first state where this scheme was launched. Eventually, the scheme got adopted in the rural areas of many states. There are many schemes out of which The Grameen Foundation and ONDC is Empowering Women together. Also different grants launched for women entrepreneurs.
At present, the Udyogini Yojana is active in 200 villages in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. Over the years, this scheme has helped more than 50,000 women across the country.
Objectives of Udyogini Scheme
The PM Udyogini Scheme Yojana aims to empower women entrepreneurs and promote self-reliance through financial support. Its key objectives are:
- Encourage Women Entrepreneurship: Provide financial assistance to women for starting or expanding small businesses.
- Promote Economic Empowerment: Enhance income opportunities for women from economically weaker sections.
- Foster Skill Development: Support entrepreneurial skill development and self-employment initiatives.
- Ensure Financial Inclusion: Facilitate easy access to credit without collateral for eligible applicants.
- Support MSMEs: Boost the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through women-led initiatives.
This scheme aims to create a supportive ecosystem for women in business, fostering economic independence and inclusivity.
Features of the Udyogini Scheme / Yojna
Some of the special features of the Udyogini Scheme are stated in the below table:
| SR. No. | Features | Details |
| 1 | Yearly family income of eligible applicants | Rs. 1,50,000 or less No income limit for widows and disabled women |
| 2 | Age limit | 18 to 55 years |
| 3 | Loan amount | Up to Rs. 3,00,000 |
| 4 | Rate of interest | Competitive (free or subsidized loans are provided to women belonging to special categories |
| 5 | Collateral | Not required |
| 6 | Processing Fees | Nil |
Note: You can visit the udyogini yojana scheme official website to get the complete list of industries covered under this scheme.
Eligibility For Udyogini Scheme
The below table will help you in the understanding of Udyogini scheme eligibility criteria you must meet to obtain to apply for Udyogini Scheme.
| Sr. No. | Particulars | Details |
| 1 | Gender | Women |
| 2 | Age limit | 18 to 55 |
| 3 | Annual Family Income | Less than or equal to Rs. 1,50,000 |
| 4 | Widow & disabled women | No age and income limit is required for widowed and disabled women |
| 5 | Udyogini scheme interest rate | 10% – 15% |
Documents Required For the Udyogini Yojana
The following documents should be submitted to get a loan under the Udyogini Scheme:
| Sr. No. | Documents |
| 1 | Aadhaar Card |
| 2 | Birth Certificate |
| 3 | Address proof |
| 4 | Proof of income |
| 5 | BPL (Below Poverty Line) Card and Ration Card |
| 6 | Caste Certificate (Applicable only for SC and ST applicants) |
| 7 | Bank passbook copy that contains details like IFSC code, MICR, account number, bank name, branch name, and account holder’s name |
| 8 | Passport size photos |
| 9 | A duly filled Udyogini Scheme online form |
Also Read – Benefits of Business Mircoloans for Women Entrepreneurs
Note: The bank or financial institution may ask for additional documents are per the requirements.
Udyogini Yojana Scheme Apply Online and Offline
Here are few steps for Udyogini Yojana Scheme apply online:-
1. Visit the Official Portal
– Check your state’s official women development or MSME-related website.
2. Register Online
– Create an account using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number or email ID.
3. Fill Out the Udyogini scheme application form
– Provide personal, financial, and project-related details.
4. Upload Documents
– Scan and upload all necessary documents in the required format.
5. Submit Application
– Once completed, submit the form. Save the acknowledgment/reference number for future follow-up.
6. Follow Up
– Track your application status through the portal.
Here are few steps for Udyogini Yojana Scheme apply Offline:-
1. Visit the Nearest Office
– Approach the state or district office of the Women Development Corporation, MSME Department, or any designated agency.
2. Collect the Application Form
– Obtain the Udyogini Yojana application form from the office.
3. Fill and Attach Documents
– Fill out the form accurately and attach photocopies of the required documents.
4. Submit the Form
– Submit it at the office. Get an acknowledgment receipt for tracking.
5. Verification Process
– Officials may conduct interviews or inspect your project plan before approval.
6. Loan Disbursement
– Once approved, the loan amount will be disbursed to your bank account.
Alternatively, you may also visit their official website and fill out the Udyogini Scheme online form. The udyogini yojana scheme apply online process is facilitated by many banks and eases out the entire procedure.
Industries Covered Under Udyogini Scheme
Around 88 industries are covered under the Udyogini scheme business list. Most of these industries fall in the category of small and microenterprises. Some of the popular industries that can be supported by the Udyogini Scheme are listed below:
| Sr. No. | Industries |
| 1 | Incense sticks manufacturing |
| 2 | Bakeries |
| 3 | Coffee and tea shop |
| 4 | Flower shop |
| 5 | Mutton shop |
| 6 | Flour mills |
| 7 | Fish stalls |
| 8 | Milk booth |
| 9 | Fairtrade shop |
| 10 | Beauty Parlour |
| 11 | Travel Agency |
| 12 | Typing institute |
| 13 | Ice cream Parlour |
| 14 | Photo Studio |
| 15 | Sweet shops |
| 16 | Gym center |
| 17 | Pan masala shop |
| 18 | Stationery Shop |
| 19 | Pottery |
| 20 | Vegetable Vending |
Conclusion
The Udyogini scheme loan aims to bring change in the lives of women. It targets the rural and backward areas where women struggle to get financial freedom. If you want to avail the loan under this scheme, you can visit a nearby bank and understand the loan details. Currently, this loan is only applicable in a few states. Therefore, you must consider all these things before opting for a loan.
Also Read – WEP Nxt – An Initiative to Nurture Women Entrepreneurship in India
FAQs
1 How much loan subsidy is offered under the Udyogini Scheme?
Ans – A loan subsidy of 30% is provided to women entrepreneurs under the Udyogini Yojana. This helps them to repay the loan and reduces their financial burden.
2 Is skill-development training provided under the Udyogini Scheme?
Ans – Yes, skill-development training is also provided for eligible women entrepreneurs under this scheme. You will learn the fundamentals of business like costing, business planning, understanding feasibility study of business, costing, etc. in this training program. Apart from skill development, a functional literacy program is also designed under this scheme. Under this government scheme for women entrepreneurs , women are taught how to read, write, maintain records, and do basic calculations. This program aims at providing semi-literacy to women so that they can run their businesses efficiently.
3 Which are the key benefits of the Udyogini Scheme?
Ans – Udyogini Yojana was introduced by the Indian government to support women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas. It supports women who are financially backward to set up a business. It also provides them with training and makes them financially independent.
4 Are funds under the Udyogini Yojana offered only for SC/ST women?
Ans – Udyogini Scheme offers funds to all women irrespective of their caste. They must only fulfill the eligibility criteria as stipulated under this scheme.
5 What Is The Udyogini Scheme In Karnataka?
Ans – The Udyogini scheme is a key program started by the Government of Karnataka to offer financial help to women who want to start or grow their businesses. It aims to encourage more women to take part in the state’s economic growth.
6 What Is The Maximum Loan Amount That Can Be Availed Under The Udyogini Scheme?
Ans – The highest loan you can get through this scheme is Rs. 50,000 for businesses in the manufacturing sector and Rs. 2,00,000 for businesses in the service sector.
7 What Is The Repayment Period For Loans Availed Under The Udyogini Scheme?
Ans – The loan taken under the Udyogini scheme needs to be paid back within 36 months, and this time includes a 6-month break where you don’t have to make any payments.
8 Can Women Entrepreneurs From Urban Areas Apply For The Udyogini Scheme?
Ans – Can women business owners from cities apply for the Udyogini Scheme?
9 What is Udyogini scheme launch date?
The Udyogini Scheme was launched in 1997 by the Women Development Corporation to empower women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance for self-employment.