The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana (MSY) is a flagship microfinance scheme launched under the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme aims to empower women entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged groups by offering affordable credit, training, and support to start income-generating activities or small businesses.
Through this scheme, women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minority communities are provided access to training, microcredit, and handholding support. The scheme is implemented nationwide through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Public Sector Banks, and NBFC-MFIs.
Objectives of Mahila Samriddhi Yojana
The main objectives of the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana are:
- To promote women entrepreneurship among women from rural, backward, and minority groups.
- To provide microfinance loans at concessional interest rates for income-generating activities.
- To support women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them training and linking them with financial institutions.
- To help women overcome social and financial barriers, giving them financial independence and self-confidence.
- To provide skill development and training in suitable crafts or small-scale businesses, followed by access to loans.
Key Benefits of Mahila Samriddhi Yojana
- Loan Assistance: Financial help of up to ₹1,40,000 is provided for business or income-generating activities.
- Low Interest Rate: Beneficiaries pay just 4% per annum on the loan, while State Channelizing Agencies get funds at 1% interest from NBCFDC.
- Training and Support: Groups of around 20 women are trained in trades and crafts, with training costs and stipends borne by the corporation.
- Repayment Period: Loans are repayable in 3.5 years, in quarterly installments, with a moratorium included.
- SHG Strengthening: The scheme focuses on Self-Help Groups, providing them training, credit, and long-term sustainability.
- Access to Other Schemes: On successful repayment of loans under MSY, beneficiaries can avail further assistance under other NSFDC schemes.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Mahila Samriddhi Yojana 2025, women must fulfill the following conditions:
- Gender & Age: Only female applicants aged 18 to 55 years can apply.
- Income Limit: The annual family income must not exceed ₹3 lakh. Priority is given to women from families with income below ₹1.5 lakh.
- Category: Applicable for women from SC/ST/OBC/Minority categories as notified by central/state governments.
- Entrepreneurial Interest: Women must intend to start a business, trade, or income-generating activity.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Preference is given to women who are part of a registered SHG.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
- Aadhaar Card (identity proof)
- Address Proof (ration card, voter ID, utility bill etc.)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Income Certificate (issued by competent authority)
- SHG Membership ID (if applying as a group)
- Bank Account details (linked with Aadhaar)
- Recent passport-size photographs
Application Process
Offline Application
- Visit the District Office of the State Channelizing Agency (SCA) or other implementing partner banks/financial institutions.
- Collect the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana application form.
- Fill in personal details, income information, and the loan amount required.
- Attach all supporting documents such as Aadhaar, caste certificate, income certificate, SHG membership details, and bank details.
- Submit the form at the District SCA office.
- After scrutiny, the form is forwarded to the Head Office of the SCA.
- Once approved, the loan amount is disbursed via the concerned SCA/Bank/Channel Partner.
Online Application
Currently, applications are largely processed offline through SCAs and partner institutions. However, women can download forms from the official portal of NBCFDC or state government websites where available, fill them, and submit through designated centers.
Implementation Mechanism
- The NBCFDC provides funds to State Channelizing Agencies, RRBs, Public Sector Banks, and MFIs.
- These institutions disburse loans to women beneficiaries either individually or through SHGs.
- Repayments are collected as per the repayment schedule in quarterly installments.
- On successful repayment, beneficiaries become eligible for higher assistance or new loans under other welfare credit schemes.
Why Mahila Samriddhi Yojana Matters
The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana addresses two key challenges for underprivileged women: lack of training and lack of finance. By combining both in a single scheme, it creates a pipeline of skilled women entrepreneurs who can start and sustain small businesses. The scheme reduces dependency on informal moneylenders, provides structured loans at affordable interest rates, and empowers women socially and financially.
Conclusion
The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana 2025 is a transformative scheme for women from socially and economically weaker sections. With financial assistance up to ₹1,40,000, low interest rates, training support, and a repayment window of 3.5 years, it is a golden opportunity for women to start small businesses, join SHGs, and gain financial independence. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents, approach your State Channelizing Agency or partner bank, and apply at the earliest to benefit from this women-focused loan scheme.