Stand-Up India Scheme Empowers Marginalized Entrepreneurs: ₹29,000 Crore Sanctioned to SC/ST and Women Beneficiaries Since April 2022

Financial boost and institutional support under the Stand-Up India Scheme have helped over 1.26 lakh entrepreneurs from SC, ST, and women communities build greenfield businesses across India.
Stand-Up India Scheme, Women Entrepreneurs, SC ST Empowerment, Startup India, SIDBI, Business Loans, Government Schemes, Inclusive Growth, Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurship Development, Skilling India

New Delhi – In a major push toward inclusive economic empowerment, the Government of India’s Stand-Up India Scheme has sanctioned nearly ₹29,000 crore in loans to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women entrepreneurs between April 2022 and March 2025. The initiative aims to transform marginalized communities into confident job creators by providing financial support and entrepreneurial handholding.

Launched on April 5, 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme was designed to ensure that each branch of every Scheduled Commercial Bank (SCB) supports at least one SC/ST and one woman borrower. These loans—ranging between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore—are meant to facilitate the launch of greenfield ventures in manufacturing, services, trading, and allied agricultural activities.

What sets this scheme apart is its holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Beyond the monetary loan, beneficiaries receive structured guidance, mentorship, and training through Skilling Centres, Entrepreneurship Development Program Centres (EDPs), District Industries Centres (DICs), and other institutional frameworks. The official portal, www.standupmitra.in, acts as a one-stop platform, helping first-time borrowers with everything from business training to loan documentation.

According to data provided by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India), over 1.26 lakh loan accounts have been opened under the scheme during the last three financial years. Of these, SC entrepreneurs were sanctioned ₹6,437.59 crore across 30,145 accounts, ST entrepreneurs received ₹2,037.15 crore across 9,625 accounts, while women from general categories secured the highest amount—₹20,521.41 crore—through 86,738 accounts.

Breakdown of Loans Sanctioned (April 2022–March 2025):

  • SC Entrepreneurs: 30,145 accounts | ₹6,437.59 crore

  • ST Entrepreneurs: 9,625 accounts | ₹2,037.15 crore

  • Women (General): 86,738 accounts | ₹20,521.41 crore

  • Total: 1,26,508 accounts | ₹28,996.15 crore

This scheme not only fuels self-employment and women-led businesses but also contributes to rural development, job creation, and economic diversification. With simplified processes and a supportive ecosystem, the Stand-Up India Scheme continues to be a transformative engine for India’s inclusive growth story.

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