Dr. Neha Tejpal
Coordinator
Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Punjab
India Government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaign has not only strengthened the country economically but has also provided women with a strong platform to move forward in the field of entrepreneurship. The primary objective of this initiative is to promote local production, generate employment opportunities, and make women self-reliant.
In this direction, the central government is running several important schemes and subsidies to encourage women entrepreneurs. Under the Stand Up India Scheme, women are provided loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore. In the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, women are being offered collateral-free loans, training, and technical assistance.
Special Encouragement for Women in Khadi and Village Industries
The government is implementing special schemes to increase women’s participation in the Khadi and village industries sector. Through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), women are provided:
Training for self-employment
Subsidy-based loans under PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme)
Assistance for raw materials and equipment
A large number of women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, are becoming self-reliant by joining this sector.
Schemes and Budget Provisions for Women Exporters
The government has taken special initiatives to bring women forward in the export sector. Through export promotion councils and institutions, women entrepreneurs are being provided:
Financial assistance for participation in international trade fairs
Market linkage and training
Export credit and insurance facilities through ECGC
In the recent Union Budget, thousands of crores of rupees have been allocated through various ministries to promote women entrepreneurship and exports. Special allocations for women have been ensured in schemes related to MSME, skill development, and women & child development.
Priority and Reservation for Women
Women are being given preference in government schemes and subsidies. Several schemes include:
Special quota for women in loan disbursement
Priority to Self Help Groups (SHGs)
Encouragement for women entrepreneurs in government procurement through GeM
Empowerment Through Cooperatives
Women’s participation in the cooperative sector is also being strengthened. Women cooperative societies are being encouraged in sectors such as dairy production, handicrafts, agriculture, and khadi to promote collective entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
The growing opportunities for women in khadi, exports, and cooperatives under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign prove that the government is giving the highest priority to women empowerment. Through schemes, subsidies, and budgetary provisions, women today are not only becoming self-reliant but are also making significant contributions to the country’s economic progress.
KL JIT WALIA
