Under this scheme, the government offers women entrepreneurs interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh (100,000 rupees). These loans are intended for women who want to start a new business or expand an existing one. The loans are provided without requiring any collateral security, and borrowers have up to five years to repay the loan.

The scheme also offers training and skill development programs for women entrepreneurs. These programs aim to enhance their business acumen and deepen their understanding of entrepreneurship. The Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkarsh Yojana (Chief Minister’s Women’s Upliftment Scheme) is a significant initiative designed to promote women’s entrepreneurship and empower them to achieve financial independence.

Features of the Scheme

• Interest-Free Loans : The scheme offers women entrepreneurs access to loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh (100,000 rupees) with no interest charged. These loans can be used to either start a new business or expand an existing one. Importantly, no collateral security is required to obtain these loans.
• Repayment Period : Borrowers have up to 5 years to repay the loan.
• Training and Skill Development : As part of the scheme, women entrepreneurs have access to training and skill development programs. These programs are designed to improve their business skills and expand their knowledge of entrepreneurship.
• Subsidy : Women entrepreneurs who repay their loans on time are eligible for a government subsidy of 6% per annum.
• No Processing Fee : This program does not charge any fee to process loan applications.
• No Income Limit : There is no maximum income restriction for women entrepreneurs who wish to apply for this program.

Objective of the Scheme

• To encourage women to become entrepreneurs and provide them with financial support to start or grow their businesses.
• To offer interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs to help them advance their business ventures.
• To provide women entrepreneurs with training and skill development programs to improve their understanding of entrepreneurship.
• To create more job opportunities for women in the state.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Interest-Free Loans : Women entrepreneurs can get loans up to 100,000 rupees without interest to start or grow their businesses. These loans don’t require any collateral.
• Subsidy : The government offers a 6% annual subsidy to women entrepreneurs who pay back their loans on time.
• No Processing Fee : There is no fee charged for applying for a loan under this program.
• Repayment Period : Entrepreneurs have up to 5 years to repay the loan, giving them plenty of time.
• Skill Development : The program offers training and skill development to help women entrepreneurs improve their business skills and knowledge.
• Employment Generation : This program aims to create more job opportunities for women in the state, contributing to overall economic growth.
• Financial Independence : The program empowers women entrepreneurs to become financially independent, supporting both personal and professional growth.
• No Income Limit : Women from all income levels can apply for this program, as there is no maximum income restriction.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant should be a woman who is a permanent resident of Gujarat.
• The applicant should be 18 years of age or above.
• The applicant should have passed at least the 8th standard.
• The applicant should have a valid Aadhaar card.

Documents Required

• The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar card.
• A government-issued ID is required, such as a Voter ID, Driving License, or PAN Card.
• A government-issued proof of address is needed, like a Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport.
• Applicants must provide proof of having completed at least 8th grade education.
• A detailed business plan must be submitted, including the type of business, required investment, and projected revenue.
• The applicant needs to provide their bank account details for receiving the loan.
• Recent passport-sized photos of the applicant are required.

How to Apply Online

• Go to the official website of the Scheme.
• Download the application form from the website, or get it from the nearest Gujarat Women’s Economic Development Corporation (GWEDC) office.
• Complete the application form, providing all necessary personal and business information.
• Include all required documents as specified in the application form.
• Turn in the completed application form.