Government schemes for women in Gujarat, for work and for widows

Also called Ganga Swarupa Yojana, Ganga Swaroopa Arthik Sahay Yojana, Ganga Swarupa Pension Scheme, Vidhva Sahay Yojana Gujarat, vidhva sahay, widow pension Gujarat, Ganga Swarupa baheno ne arthik sahay

₹1,250 a month for life, paid straight into her bank or post office account

A monthly pension of ₹1,250 for widows in Gujarat from low-income families. The old rule that stopped the pension when her son turned 21 has been removed, so it now continues for life.

Status

Paying in 2026: the state's Development Programme 2026-27 says 17.32 lakh widows were paid ₹1,250 a month through DBT in 2025-26 (up to December 2025); applications are taken all year. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Widow (the state calls widows 'Ganga Swarupa' women)
• Age 18 or above
• Has not remarried
• Lives in Gujarat
• Yearly family income up to ₹1,20,000 in a village (rural area) or up to ₹1,50,000 in a town or city (urban area)

Documents

• Photo of the widow
• Ration card copy
• School leaving certificate
• Income certificate
• Husband's death certificate
• Voter ID or Aadhaar card
• Electricity bill
• Birth certificate
• Certificate that she is a widow (not remarried)
• Bank or post office passbook

How to apply

1. Apply online on the Digital Gujarat portal with your bank or post office account details
2. Or fill the form at the Village Computer Entrepreneur (VCE) in your gram panchayat, or at the Mamlatdar office if you live in a town
3. The Deputy Mamlatdar checks the papers and the Mamlatdar issues an approval order
4. ₹1,250 is then paid every month by DBT

In person: Village Computer Entrepreneur (VCE) at the gram panchayat in villages; taluka Mamlatdar office in towns

Run by

Directorate of Women Welfare, Commissionerate of Women and Child Development, Women and Child Development Department, Government of Gujarat (approved by the taluka Mamlatdar)

Older pages and many websites still say the age limit is 18 to 40 or 18 to 50, or that it stops when a son turns 21. The current WCD page says 18 and above, and the state's 2026-27 Development Programme says the son condition was removed and help is lifelong. The income limit is lower in villages (₹1.2 lakh) than in towns (₹1.5 lakh).

Checked 5 October 2026 against Ganga Swarupa Pension Scheme, Development Programme 2026-27 (Budget Publication No. 35), para 6.15 and 9.59, Gujarat Ganga Swarupa Yojana · Official page to apply

Also called Ganga Swarupa remarriage scheme, Ganga Swarupa Punahlagna Arthik Sahay, vidhva punah lagna sahay, widow remarriage assistance Gujarat

₹50,000 once: ₹25,000 into her savings account by DBT and ₹25,000 as National Savings Certificates (NSC)

A one-time ₹50,000 for a widow who remarries. It is meant for women who were getting the Ganga Swarupa widow pension.

Status

Running in 2025-26: ₹48 lakh was spent up to December 2025 against a ₹1.08 crore provision (Development Programme 2026-27). Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• A woman who was getting help under the Ganga Swarupa Arthik Sahay (widow pension) scheme
• Age 18 to 50
• Has remarried

Documents

• As set by the department (the official page does not list them); expect marriage proof, Ganga Swarupa pension proof, Aadhaar and bank passbook

How to apply

1. Ask at the District Women and Child Officer's office or the Directorate of Women Welfare for the form
2. Submit it with proof of remarriage and of your Ganga Swarupa pension

In person: District Women and Child Officer's office (Directorate of Women Welfare, Gandhinagar at state level)

Run by

Directorate of Women Welfare, Commissionerate of Women and Child Development, Government of Gujarat

Very few women use it: only ₹48 lakh was spent in nine months of 2025-26. Half of the money comes as NSC savings certificates, not cash.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Ganga Swarupa Punah Lagna Arthik Sahay Scheme, Development Programme 2026-27, para 6.22 · Official page to apply

Also called Anubandham, Anubandham registration, Gujarat rojgar portal, rojgar kacheri registration, employment exchange Gujarat, Special Employment Exchange for Women Ahmedabad, Special Employment Exchange for Women Jamnagar, mahila rojgar kacheri

Free registration for private and government job openings, job fairs (rojgar melas), career counselling and direct contact with employers

Register once on Anubandham (website or mobile app) or at your district employment exchange to get job alerts and calls to job fairs. Ahmedabad and Jamnagar also have employment exchanges only for women.

Status

Open in 2026: 4,86,723 job seekers and 54,157 employers were registered on Anubandham as of 20 January 2026, and 967 job fairs were held in 2025-26 up to December. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Job seeker living in Gujarat
• Any education level can register

Documents

• Aadhaar card
• Mobile number and email
• Mark sheets and certificates
• Photo
• Experience certificates if any

How to apply

1. Open anubandham.gujarat.gov.in or the Anubandham app and choose Registration, then Job Seeker
2. Verify your mobile number and fill in your education and skills
3. Search jobs, apply, and watch for job fair invitations
4. Or visit your district employment exchange to register in person

In person: District employment exchange (46 in the state). Women-only offices: Special Employment Exchange for Women, O/4, New Mental Campus, Ahmedabad 16, phone (079) 22681248; Special Employment Exchange for Women, ITI Hostel Building, opposite S.T. Depot, Jamnagar, phone (0288) 2564654

Run by

Directorate of Employment and Training, Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat

Registration does not pay any allowance: Gujarat has no unemployment allowance. The women-only exchange addresses come from the official exchange list as archived; the current employment.gujarat.gov.in site did not open when checked, so call before you go.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Development Programme 2026-27, para 3.1 to 3.12 (employment exchanges, job fairs, Anubandham), Anubandham :: Gujarat, List of Exchange (archived), Employment Exchange: Employment Exchange for Women (archived) · Official page to apply

Also called Mukhyamantri Apprentice Scheme, Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Training Scheme, MATS Gujarat, CM apprenticeship Gujarat stipend

Paid apprenticeship with a state top-up on the stipend: ₹3,000 a month for graduates, ₹2,000 for diploma holders and ₹1,500 for ITI and other trade apprentices, on top of the central share

On-the-job training at a company, hospital, bank or government office, with a monthly stipend. The Gujarat government adds money to the stipend paid by the employer and the central scheme.

Status

Running in 2026-27: the state's Development Programme 2026-27 still lists ₹3,000 a month under the Mukhyamantri Apprentice Scheme for graduate apprentices. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Passed Class 8, 10 or 12, ITI, diploma or graduation
• Placed as an apprentice in an establishment registered under the Apprentices Act, 1961

Documents

• Aadhaar card
• Mark sheets and certificates
• Bank account
• Apprenticeship contract form (4 copies) and photos

How to apply

1. Register on the national apprenticeship portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) or, for engineering graduates and diploma holders, on the NATS portal
2. Apply to apprenticeship openings from companies or offices in Gujarat
3. After selection, sign the contract; the state share is paid along with the stipend

In person: Nearest ITI or district employment exchange (apprenticeship advisor)

Run by

Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat (Directorate of Employment and Training)

It is not a women-only scheme and the state share is small. The category amounts (₹2,000 and ₹1,500) are from a state university page, not a department page; only the ₹3,000 graduate amount is in the 2026-27 Development Programme.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Development Programme 2026-27, Higher Education: Graduate Intern and Apprentice (₹3,000 under MAY), Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Training Scheme (MATS) · Official page to apply

Also called PM Internship Yojana, PMIS 9000 stipend, pminternship

₹9,000 a month (minimum, subject to attendance) plus a one-time joining grant of ₹6,000

A paid internship in a large company for young people aged 18 to 25 who are not in a full-time job. Since April 2026 final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students can also apply with a college NOC.

Status

Round 3 of the pilot is running in 2026 with companies posting internships on an ongoing basis (PIB, 22 Apr and 21 May 2026). Checked 1 Oct 2026.

Who can apply

• Indian youth aged 18 to 25 years
• Not in full-time employment
• Final-year UG and PG students may apply with a No Objection Certificate from their institution
• Applicants must meet the other existing eligibility criteria of the scheme

Documents

• Aadhaar
• Aadhaar-linked bank account
• College NOC (final-year students only)

How to apply

1. Register on the PMIS portal or app with Aadhaar
2. Fill your profile and pick internships
3. Accept an offer if selected

In person: Helpline 1800 11 6090

Run by

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Still a pilot. The 2024 pilot rules excluded anyone whose family member earned over ₹8 lakh a year, had a government job, or who held degrees such as CA, MBA, MBBS or from IITs and IIMs; check the current rules on the portal.

Checked 1 October 2026 against MCA expands eligibility of PMIS to final-year students (22 Apr 2026), PMIS: MY Bharat awareness campaign, ₹9,000 plus ₹6,000 joining grant (21 May 2026), A Pathway to Professional Growth: PM's Internship Scheme (pilot rules, Oct 2024) · Official page to apply

Also called NCS job portal, Jobs for Women, employment exchange online, ncs.gov.in

Free job search, job fairs, career counselling and a 'Jobs for Women' section

The government's free job portal for private and government jobs, job fairs and career guidance. It has a 'Jobs for Women' link on the home page and connects to e-Shram and Skill India.

Status

Running in 2026; over 6.02 crore jobseekers and 8.17 crore vacancies as of 20 Nov 2025 (PIB, 4 Dec 2025). Checked 1 Oct 2026.

Who can apply

• Any jobseeker in India

How to apply

1. Open ncs.gov.in and sign up as a Jobseeker
2. Complete your profile and open 'Jobs for Women' or search jobs
3. e-Shram card holders can register using their UAN

In person: District Employment Exchange / Model Career Centre

Run by

Ministry of Labour and Employment (Directorate General of Employment)

NCS never charges a fee at any stage. Anyone asking for money in NCS's name is a fraud. Many listings are low-paid, so check the employer.

Checked 1 October 2026 against National Career Service home page ('Jobs for Women', 'NCS services are free of cost'), Over 6 crore jobseekers registered on NCS (4 Dec 2025) · Official page to apply

Also called eShram, e Shram card, shramik card, UAN card

Free e-Shram card with a Universal Account Number (UAN) that links you to 14 central welfare schemes, NCS jobs, Skill India and the PM-SYM pension (₹3,000 a month from age 60 if you join between 18 and 40)

A free ID card for informal workers such as domestic workers, home-based workers, farm labourers and vendors. It does not pay money by itself, but makes it easier to reach insurance, pension, housing and job schemes.

Status

Registration open and free; over 31.48 crore workers registered by 26 Jan 2026 (PIB, 2 Feb 2026). Checked 1 Oct 2026.

Who can apply

• Unorganised workers aged 16 to 59: home-based, self-employed or wage workers in the unorganised sector
• Not a member of EPFO or ESIC

Documents

• Aadhaar number
• Aadhaar-linked mobile number (or biometric at a CSC)

How to apply

1. Self-register on eshram.gov.in or the e-Shram app with Aadhaar and OTP
2. Or go to a Common Service Centre (it must not charge you)
3. Download the card and use the One-Stop-Solution page to see linked schemes

In person: Common Service Centre (CSC) or State Sewa Kendra

Run by

Ministry of Labour and Employment

The card has no cash benefit of its own; messages promising money 'on your e-Shram card' are not from the government. Registration is totally free.

Checked 1 October 2026 against e-SHRAM cards for unorganised workers (2 Feb 2026), e-Shram FAQs (age 16 to 59, free registration), Benefits under e-Shram card (PM-SYM pension) · Official page to apply

Also called Ganga Swarupa rehabilitation training, widow vocational training Gujarat, Ganga Swarupa punahvasvat

Free training in a trade of her choice at a nearby Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra, plus a free toolkit for that trade

Widows aged 18 to 50 who get the Ganga Swarupa pension can learn a trade at a nearby skill centre and get the tools for it, so they can earn.

Status

Listed as a current initiative on the WCD website (page updated September 2026); batches are organised by the district office when enough women sign up. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Widow aged 18 to 50
• Getting the Ganga Swarupa widow pension
• Yearly family income up to ₹1,20,000 in a village or ₹1,50,000 in a town

Documents

• Age proof
• Certificate that she is a widow
• Aadhaar card or voter ID
• Copy of the passbook where the widow pension is paid

How to apply

1. Tell the District Women and Child Officer's office which trade you want to learn
2. The office arranges a class at the nearest Kaushalya Vardhan Kendra
3. Finish the course and collect your toolkit

In person: District Women and Child Officer's office

Run by

Directorate of Women Welfare, Commissionerate of Women and Child Development, Government of Gujarat (District Women and Child Officer)

Checked 5 October 2026 against Ganga Swarupa Baheno na Punahvasvat mate Arthik Sahay · Official page to apply

Also called General Training Scheme GWEDC, mahila talim yojana Gujarat, free skill training women Gujarat, Mahila Jagruti Shibir

Free skill training in trades such as computer, tailoring and ready-made garments, embroidery, patch work, soft toys, electrical appliance repair and motor driving

Free job and business skill training for poor women, run by the state women's development corporation. After training, women can be linked to bank loans such as Mahila Swavlamban.

Status

Funded in 2026-27 with an annual grant of ₹1.50 crore (Development Programme 2026-27); batches run through the year. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Woman aged 18 to 50 (an older WCD page says 18 to 35)
• From a family below the poverty line

Documents

• Aadhaar card
• Age proof
• BPL card or income certificate

How to apply

1. Contact GWEDC or the District Women and Child Officer's office to ask about the next batch in your district
2. Register with your documents and attend the course

In person: Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation, Udyog Bhavan, Gandhinagar (helpline 079-23230713), or the District Women and Child Officer's office

Run by

Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation Ltd. (GWEDC), Women and Child Development Department

The corporation does not publish a batch calendar online, and its website was down when checked, so you have to ask the office.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Development Programme 2026-27: General Training Yojana, GWEDC schemes · Official page to apply

Also called vocational training women in unfavourable circumstances, GWEDC stipend training, pratikul paristhiti mahila talim

Free vocational training plus a stipend of ₹1,000 a month during training

Free training with a ₹1,000 monthly stipend for women in hard situations, in trades like garment making, block printing, appliance repair, mehndi, embroidery and basic computer.

Status

Listed in the 2026-27 Development Programme with a stipend for trainees. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Woman living in adverse circumstances (the official text does not define this further)

Documents

• Aadhaar card
• Proof of your situation as asked by the office

How to apply

1. Contact GWEDC or the District Women and Child Officer's office
2. Ask to join the next training batch for women in adverse circumstances

In person: Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation, Udyog Bhavan, Gandhinagar (079-23230713), or the District Women and Child Officer's office

Run by

Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation Ltd. (GWEDC), Women and Child Development Department

Checked 5 October 2026 against Development Programme 2026-27: Training scheme for women living in adverse circumstances, GWEDC schemes · Official page to apply

Also called Mahila Swavalamban Scheme, Mahila Swavlamban Yojana Gujarat, GWEDC loan, Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation loan, mahila loan subsidy Gujarat

Bank loan of up to ₹2 lakh for a small business, with a subsidy of 30% of the project cost (up to ₹60,000); 35% (up to ₹70,000) for SC and ST women; 40% (up to ₹80,000) for widows and women with disability

A subsidy on a bank loan for poor women in villages and towns who want to start a small business. Widows and women with disability get the biggest subsidy.

Status

In the 2026-27 budget with a target of about 500 women a year (Development Programme and Outcome Budget 2026-27). Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Woman aged 21 to 50
• From a poor family: yearly income up to ₹1,20,000 in a village or ₹1,50,000 in a town
• Wants to start an economic activity (business, trade or service)
• The corporation recommends her to a bank for a loan of up to ₹2 lakh

Documents

• Age proof
• Aadhaar card
• Quotation for the machines or goods
• Experience certificate
• Income certificate
• Ration card copy

How to apply

1. Get the form from the District Women and Child Officer's office (or GWEDC)
2. Fill it with your business plan, quotation and documents
3. The office checks it and recommends a bankable loan
4. The bank gives the loan; the subsidy is adjusted against it

In person: District Women and Child Officer's office; Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation, Block No. 8, 9th Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Sector 11, Gandhinagar

Run by

Women and Child Development Department, Government of Gujarat, with Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation (GWEDC); now handled through the District Women and Child Officer

Seats are few: the 2026-27 target is only about 500 women for the whole state. The older WCD page still shows a lower subsidy (15% or ₹30,000); the 2026-27 Development Programme shows the higher rates used here. The GWEDC website (gwedc.gov.in) was down when checked.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Development Programme 2026-27: Mahila Swavlamban Yojana (WCD schemes), Mahila Swavlamban Scheme, GWEDC: Mahila Swavalamban Scheme (age 21 to 50, loan up to ₹2,00,000), Outcome Budget 2026-27 (WCD: Mahila swavlamban Yojana target 500) · Official page to apply

Also called Mahila Utkarsh Yojana, MMUY Gujarat, Mahila Utkarsh loan, zero interest loan sakhi mandal, 1 lakh loan women Gujarat

Loan of ₹1 lakh per group of 10 women, with the government paying the interest (up to 12%, at most ₹6,000 a year) if the group repays on time; stamp duty on the loan is waived

An interest-free loan of ₹1 lakh for a group of 10 women (a joint liability earning and saving group) to start small businesses. It is a group loan, never a loan to one woman.

Status

No sign of new loans in 2026: the scheme is not listed in the state's Development Programme or Outcome Budget 2026-27, and the portal mmuy.gujarat.gov.in did not open when checked on 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• A group of 10 women who want credit (Joint Liability Earning and Saving Group, JLESG)
• Each woman aged 18 to 59
• Widows and deserted women get priority
• An existing group can join only if it has no unpaid loan

Documents

• Group resolution and member list
• Aadhaar of each member
• Group bank account details

How to apply

1. Form or join a group of 10 women through your village livelihood staff (GLPC) or city livelihood mission office (GULM)
2. The group applies to a bank, cooperative or approved lender for ₹1 lakh
3. Repay ₹10,000 a month on time so the government pays the interest

In person: Taluka livelihood office of Mission Mangalam (GLPC) in villages; city livelihood mission (GULM) office at the municipality in towns

Run by

Rural Development Department through Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company (GLPC) in villages, and Urban Development Department through Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission (GULM) in towns

Many websites still show 'apply online' pages for this in 2026, but there is no individual loan and we found no official 2026 activity. Do not pay anyone a fee to 'register' for it. Repayment is ₹10,000 a month for the group (₹1 lakh loan plus ₹20,000 savings in a year).

Checked 5 October 2026 against Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana portal (archived copy of the official home page), Development Programme 2026-27 (scheme not listed)

Also called Sakhi Mandal, Mission Mangalam, GLPC, Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company, Lakhpati Didi Gujarat, NRLM Gujarat, SHG revolving fund Gujarat

Her Sakhi Mandal gets a revolving fund of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000, up to ₹1,50,000 from the Community Investment Fund, and bank loans; members also get training and help to sell products

Village women form a Sakhi Mandal (self-help group of 10 to 20 women), save together and get group funds and cheap bank loans to start small businesses. Help comes to the group, which then lends to members.

Status

Active in 2026: 7,966 new SHGs were formed in 2025-26 and 4,405 got a revolving fund (Development Programme 2026-27); GLPC posted new notices in August 2026. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Woman from a poor rural family
• Joins or forms a Sakhi Mandal of 10 to 20 women from the same area
• Only one woman per family can be a member
• Group must hold regular meetings and savings

Documents

• Aadhaar card
• Bank account (group account is opened together)
• Group register and meeting records

How to apply

1. Ask the village community resource person (CRP), Bank Sakhi or the taluka livelihood office to join or start a Sakhi Mandal
2. Hold weekly meetings and save regularly
3. After 3 months the group is graded and can get the revolving fund, then the Community Investment Fund and bank loans

In person: Taluka livelihood office (TLPM) under the Taluka Development Office; GLPC, 3rd Floor, Block No. 18, Udyog Bhavan, Gandhinagar, phone 079-23248512

Run by

Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd. (GLPC), Rural Development Department, Government of Gujarat (state rural livelihood mission)

This is Gujarat's name for the national rural livelihood mission (NRLM), so the money is partly central. A woman gets nothing on her own: everything comes through her group. The 'Lakhpati Didi' label is a target (family income above ₹1 lakh a year), not a cash payment.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Development Programme 2026-27, para 2.75 (NRLM) and 9.10, Benefit to SHG (brochure), How To Become SHG Member (brochure), Mission Mangalam Programme · Official page to apply

Also called Vajpayee Bankable Yojana, Bankable Loan Portal, BLP Gujarat, vajpai bankable yojana, self employment loan subsidy Gujarat

Bank loan of up to ₹25 lakh for industry, service or trade, with a subsidy for women of 40% in villages or 30% in towns (general category: 25% and 20%), up to ₹3.75 lakh (₹5 lakh for SC, ST and disabled applicants)

A subsidised bank loan to start your own small business. Women get a higher subsidy than general applicants, and there is no income limit.

Status

Open in 2026 on the Bankable Loan Portal; loan and subsidy limits were tripled by a government resolution of 9 May 2025. Checked 5 October 2026.

Who can apply

• Age 18 to 65
• Passed at least Class 4, or has trade training (3 months private or 1 month government-recognised), or 1 year of experience in the business, or is a hereditary artisan
• No income limit
• Only one project per person

Documents

• Aadhaar card
• Proof of education, training or experience
• Project report or quotation
• Caste certificate if SC or ST
• Bank account details

How to apply

1. Register on blp.gujarat.gov.in with your mobile number (Citizen Register)
2. Fill the online application with your business plan; in villages a VCE can fill it for free
3. The District Industries Centre checks it and sends it to a bank
4. After the bank sanctions the loan, the subsidy is released

In person: District Industries Centre (DIC) of your district; helpdesk 9909926280 or 9909926180

Run by

Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat (through District Industries Centres)

Meat, liquor, farming, fisheries and piggery projects are not allowed. The bank still decides whether to lend. The site's line on how much of the cost the woman must put in herself is cut off, so ask the DIC.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana (About us), FAQ, Government resolution of 9 May 2025 raising loan limit to ₹25 lakh and subsidy to ₹3.75 lakh, Government resolution of 18 June 2025 raising subsidy to ₹5 lakh for SC, ST and disabled applicants · Official page to apply

Also called Mudra loan, PM Mudra, Shishu Kishor Tarun loan, Tarun Plus

Business loan without collateral up to ₹20 lakh: Shishu up to ₹50,000, Kishor ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh, Tarun ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, Tarun Plus ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh

A loan from a bank or other lender to start or grow a small non-farm business, with no property needed as security. It is open to men and women; about 60% of Mudra loan accounts in 2024-25 belonged to women.

Status

Running in 2026: PIB reported loans disbursed to 27 March 2026 and the scheme completed 11 years on 8 April 2026. Checked 1 Oct 2026.

Who can apply

• Non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises in manufacturing, trading, services and activities allied to agriculture
• Shishu loans are open to new entrepreneurs with no credit history or collateral
• Tarun Plus (₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh) is only for borrowers who took and fully repaid a Tarun loan

How to apply

1. Go to any bank branch, small finance bank, NBFC or microfinance lender, or apply online on the JanSamarth portal
2. Ask for a loan under PMMY and choose the category that fits the amount
3. Never pay an agent or a 'processing fee' to anyone outside the lender: MUDRA Ltd does not give loans directly

In person: Any bank branch or registered NBFC / microfinance lender

Run by

Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance (through banks, NBFCs and MFIs; MUDRA Ltd refinances)

MUDRA Ltd itself never lends to individuals. PIB Fact Check has flagged fake 'Mudra loan approval letters' asking for fees almost every month from 2024 to September 2026. The loan must be repaid with the bank's normal interest; there is no subsidy.

Checked 1 October 2026 against 11 Years of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (8 Apr 2026), PMMY loan limit raised to ₹20 lakh (Tarun Plus), PIB Fact Check: fake website onlinemudraindia.co.in (19 Mar 2026), Mudra FAQ · Official page to apply

Also called PMEGP loan, KVIC loan subsidy, margin money subsidy

Subsidy of 25% to 35% of the project cost on a bank loan for a new unit (women: 35% in villages, 25% in towns); project cost up to ₹50 lakh (manufacturing) or ₹20 lakh (service)

Helps a person start a new small factory or service unit outside farming. The bank gives the loan and the government pays part of the project cost as a one-time subsidy. Women count as a special category, so they get the higher subsidy and put in only 5% of their own money.

Status

Portal open and scheme active in 2026 (PIB, 12 Mar 2026). Its last Cabinet approval ran to 2025-26; a formal 2026-27 extension notice was not found. Checked 1 Oct 2026.

Who can apply

• Any individual above 18 years of age
• No income ceiling
• At least VIII standard pass for projects above ₹10 lakh in manufacturing or above ₹5 lakh in business/service
• Only one person per family (self, spouse, unmarried children)
• Existing units, and units that already took a government subsidy under another scheme, are not eligible
• Projects without capital expenditure are not eligible

Documents

• Aadhaar

How to apply

1. Apply online on the PMEGP portal (New Application)
2. Pick KVIC, KVIB or DIC as the agency and choose a bank
3. Complete the short EDP training (not needed for projects up to ₹2 lakh)
4. The bank sanctions the loan and the subsidy is routed through the bank

In person: District Industries Centre (DIC) or KVIC / KVIB office

Run by

Ministry of MSME (KVIC, State KVIBs and District Industries Centres)

It is a subsidy on a bank loan, not a grant: you must get a bank loan and put in 5% (special category) or 10% (general) yourself.

Checked 1 October 2026 against PMEGP FAQ (eligibility), Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (subsidy rates, women as special category), Initiatives to strengthen rural and semi-urban MSMEs (12 Mar 2026), Continuation of PMEGP 2021-22 to 2025-26 · Official page to apply

Also called Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Aajeevika, NRLM SHG loan, self help group

Through your self-help group: a Revolving Fund of about ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per group, up to ₹2.5 lakh per group from the Community Investment Fund, bank loans with interest subvention (loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7%), a ₹5,000 Jan-Dhan overdraft, and free livelihood and enterprise training

Rural women join a self-help group (SHG) of neighbours, save together and get group funds, cheap bank loans and training to build a business or farm income. A 'Lakhpati Didi' is an SHG member whose household earns over ₹1 lakh a year.

Status

Active in 2026: over 3 crore Lakhpati Didis reached; target doubled to 6 crore by March 2029 (PIB, 13 Feb 2026). Checked 1 Oct 2026.

Who can apply

• Rural women who join a DAY-NRLM self-help group
• To be picked as a potential Lakhpati Didi: SHG member for at least two years, has used the Community Investment Fund, and runs at least two livelihood activities

How to apply

1. Ask the village SHG, Village Organisation or Community Resource Person to join a group
2. Save regularly in the group and keep records
3. Ask the block mission office about training and loans for your activity

In person: Block office of the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, or the Gram Panchayat

Run by

Ministry of Rural Development

There is no direct cash payment to become a Lakhpati Didi. Money comes as group funds and loans that must be repaid. Interest subvention rates vary by district.

Checked 1 October 2026 against How do I become a Lakhpati Didi, Financial Assistance, Doubling of target of Lakhpati Didis to 6 crore (13 Feb 2026), National Campaign on Entrepreneurship: EDP training for 50 lakh SHG members (14 Jan 2026) · Official page to apply