Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme - Features, Benefits, Eligibility, How to Apply
Pioneered by the Indian Government, specifically under the Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme aims to both uplift and empower more women entrepreneurs to enter the field of business. First offered by Punjab National Bank (under SIDBI’s guidance), the scheme empowers women entrepreneurs by offering financial aid at marginal rates of interest.
By making use of the funding provided by the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme, MSMEs can engage in a wide range of business functions. This includes manufacturing, production, and service-related activities.
The key benefits of the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme are listed below:
The scheme promotes the rise of women entrepreneurs
Augments the employment opportunities available in the tiny and small-scale industry sectors
Aids in bridging the gender gap and in achieving economic equity
Helps rehabilitate and restructure SSI units
Aids in the expansion and modernisation of technology services offered by the service industry
The Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme eligibility details are listed below:
This loan is only offered to women entrepreneurs – those launching or running a new business.
To avail of this scheme, women entrepreneurs should necessarily hold at least 51% of the company’s share.
This loan is only sanctioned to businesses involved in activities pertaining to manufacturing, production, and services. It can also include upgrading machines or services, expanding the scope of business activities, further diversifying branches of business, or launching a new business.
The business should have made a minimum investment of ₹5 Lakhs.
If a loan is availed of under the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme, it can only be utilised for certain purposes.
The Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme was first launched by the Punjab National Bank, under the guidance of the Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
The Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme was first launched in 2021.
Given that SIDBI is a development bank, it does not disburse the loan amount itself. Instead, it offers loans to women entrepreneurs through Punjab National Bank.