Have you ever wondered if there’s real help out there for women like us, whether we’re trying to start a business, go back to school, or save for our daughter’s future? I asked myself that in my second year of work, after watching my house help struggle to send her daughter to college. Schemes for women empowerment are not just buzzwords — they are lifelines.
What I found? Life-changing.
Here are 5 government-backed schemes for women empowerment that every Indian woman, whether a homemaker or a hustler, should know about.
1. Stand-Up India Scheme (Schemes for Women Empowerment in Business)
This one’s a game-changer if you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business but had zero collateral. The Stand-Up India scheme, launched by the Government of India, helps women get bank loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore specifically for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, or trading sectors.
I once guided a 34-year-old woman in Thane to apply for this. She used it to open a cloud kitchen. Today, she employs three other women, all earning independently.
How to apply: Approach your local bank or apply online via standupmitra.in
2. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (A Financially Secure Scheme for Women Empowerment)
Launched in Budget 2023, this government-backed saving scheme allows women and girls to invest up to ₹2 lakh for 2 years at a 7.5% interest rate. It’s safe, fixed-income, and fully backed by the Government of India.
If you’re saving for a daughter’s education or want a no-risk investment to park your bonus, this is a great short-term option.
Official info: India Post – Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
3. Tejaswini Scheme (Empowering Women in Jammu & Kashmir)
This state-level scheme offers up to ₹5 lakh in support to women aged 18–35 who want to start their own ventures. It also covers soft skills training and business planning.
From boutique owners to e-rickshaw fleet runners, Tejaswini is enabling financial independence where it’s needed most.
Apply via: J&K Youth Portal
4. Udyam Sakhi Portal (Digital Schemes for Women Empowerment)
Udyam Sakhi is an online initiative by the Ministry of MSME that helps women entrepreneurs access funding, mentorship, and market resources.
I used it with a group of homepreneurs in Pune to discover buyer leads, download business templates, and apply for MSME loans — all in one place.
Explore: udyamsakhi.gov.in
5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Long-Term Savings Scheme for Women Empowerment)
This is the one I personally use for my niece. Sukanya Samriddhi is a small savings scheme for girls under 10. You can deposit up to ₹1.5 lakh a year and earn 8% interest — with full tax benefits under Section 80C.
It’s perfect for building a college or marriage fund, safely and smartly.
More info: India Post – Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Quick Comparison Table
| Scheme | Who It’s For | Max Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand-Up India | Women entrepreneurs | ₹1 crore loan | Starting a business |
| Mahila Samman Certificate | Women & girls | 7.5% for 2 years | Short-term saving |
| Tejaswini (J&K) | Women 18–35 in J&K | ₹5 lakh | Youth entrepreneurs |
| Udyam Sakhi Portal | Entrepreneurs | Access to resources | Business growth |
| Sukanya Samriddhi | Parents of girl child | 8% interest + 80C | Long-term savings |
FAQs: Schemes for Women Empowerment
Q1. Are these schemes only for rural women?
Nope. Most schemes are pan-India, though some like Tejaswini are regional.
Q2. Do I need a guarantor for Stand-Up India?
Not usually. It’s collateral-free, but some banks may ask for a co-borrower.
Q3. Can homemakers apply?
Absolutely. Udyam Sakhi and Mahila Samman are ideal for homemakers starting out.
Final Thought
Women in India are not short on ambition. Just access. Schemes for women empowerment are small bridges to big dreams. Let’s cross them together. If you want to dive deeper into how women in India are reshaping their money habits, do check out our article on Women and Finance in India. It breaks down how cultural shifts, digital tools, and financial literacy are unlocking new doors — one rupee at a time.
Meet Pranjali Ghosh — a financial consultant based in Mumbai with an MBA in finance and a mission to help Indian women build clarity and confidence around money. From government schemes to mutual funds and everyday savings, she breaks down complex topics in simple, relatable ways. As a proud WTribe member, Pranjali shares what she’s learned — not from textbooks, but from real conversations with women who want to take charge of their financial lives.
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