Central Govt Business & EntrepreneurshipBanking,Financial Services and InsuranceSocial welfare & EmpowermentWomen and Child

Mahila Samriddhi Yojana

₹1.4 lakh microfinance loan · women from underprivileged backgrounds · nominal interest

Women from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or OBC backgrounds with annual family income under ₹3 lakh can access micro-loans of up to ₹1.4 lakh at subsidized rates to start small businesses or income-generating activities. The scheme is run by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). Apply through State Channelising Agencies or partner banks.

Department of Social Justice & Empowerment For: Individual Official Source
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About This Scheme

Women from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or OBC backgrounds with annual family income under ₹3 lakh can access micro-loans of up to ₹1.4 lakh at subsidized rates to start small businesses or income-generating activities. The scheme is run by the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). Apply through State Channelising Agencies or partner banks.

Full official description

Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) is a scheme aimed to benefit women entrepreneurs from backward backgrounds or poor backgrounds. The scheme was launched as part of the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under this scheme, the Corporation bears the training cost and stipend for training that is provided to groups of about 20 women, in suitable craft activities. The group is formed into a SHG and after the training, micro-credit is provided. This scheme is being implemented by a wide range of channel partners nationwide. Targeted women beneficiaries are identified and given loans either directly or in the form of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The two main targeted beneficiaries are:

  1. Self-help groups (SHGs): It aims to strengthen and assist SHGs, particularly those that include women. These people make up the autonomous, economically disadvantaged category.

  2. Women belonging to economically and socially backward classes (targeted groups): Women from the underprivileged classes are considered, particularly those who fall under the SC or ST category. Objectives of Mahila Samridhi Yojana

  3. To encourage women belonging to minority groups from rural regions and underprivileged classes to adopt an entrepreneurial attitude.

  4. To help these women meet their entrepreneurial goals by providing microfinance loans at lower interest rates.

  5. To encourage women from scheduled castes or scheduled tribes or any other minority populations to pursue their aspirations.

  6. To encourage women to overcome social stigma and gain financial independence.

  7. To assist women who are unable to establish their own businesses or careers owing to a lack of financial assistance.

  8. It is also a Micro Finance Scheme for women with rebate in interest.

Benefits

  • Financial assistance up to ₹1,40,000
  • Repayment within 3.5 years in quarterly installments (from each disbursement date, including moratorium)
  • After repayment, eligible for any loan under the broader NSFDC scheme portfolio
  • Training provided by the corporation (corporation bears training cost and stipend for groups of ~20 women)
  • Skill development in craft activities before credit is disbursed to the SHG

💡 Why Startups Should Care

This scheme's rebate-linked interest structure rewards timely repayment — meaning disciplined borrowers pay even less than the nominal rate. For a woman starting a small trade or service business, ₹1.4 lakh with a 3.5-year repayment window is enough working capital to get established.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

  • Must be a woman aged 18–55 years
  • Must belong to SC, ST, or OBC category as notified by Central or State Government
  • Annual family income must be below ₹3 lakh
  • Must want to start a business or income-generating activity
  • Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of eligible women can also apply collectively

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official NSFDC website (nsfdc.nic.in/en/mahila-samriddhi-yojana) or your state government portal.
  2. Download the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana application form.
  3. Fill in the form with personal, SHG, and business details.
  4. Submit the form along with required documents to your State Channelising Agency.
  5. On approval, the loan is disbursed through the SCA in quarterly installments as per your business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mahila Samriddhi Yojana?

Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a microfinance scheme offering loans under NBCFDC to women entrepreneurs from below poverty line (BPL) section of the society or backward classes.

Interest Rate per annum chargeable to SCAs and Beneficiaries?

In the case of State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) it is 1% whereas in case of beneficiaries it is 4%.

Ready to apply?

Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.

Apply on myScheme.gov.in

Documents Required

  • Address proof
  • Identity proof
  • SHG membership ID
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Income certificate from a competent authority
  • Aadhaar card
  • Bank account details
  • Recent passport-size photographs

Tags

EmpowermentSHG WomenFinancial Inclusion Women
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