Which programme was launched by the Indian Government to promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities?

Key Points

• The Stand-Up India programme was launched by the Indian Government to promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities.
• It aims to facilitate bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise.
• This initiative is part of the government's efforts to foster an inclusive growth environment and encourage underrepresented groups to participate in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• The programme helps in providing the necessary handholding support to beneficiaries, including pre-loan training, facilitating loan sanction, and providing marketing and skill development support.

Additional Information

• The Stand-Up India scheme was launched on 5th April 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• It is designed to promote job creation and economic empowerment by providing access to financial services and encouraging entrepreneurship.
• The scheme also focuses on providing end-to-end support to borrowers through various channels including SIDBI, NABARD, and other financial institutions.