The Mahila Swavalamban Scheme is an initiative launched by the Women and Child Development Department, Gujarat aimed at empowering women through financial assistance for starting or expanding economic activities. Targeted at women from both rural and urban areas—especially those from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families—the scheme provides a combination of a subsidy and a loan to help women achieve self-reliance and economic independence.
Benefits
- Subsidy Assistance: Eligible women receive a subsidy of 15% of the business cost, capped at ₹30,000, reducing the initial capital requirement.
- Loan Facility: Women can avail loans up to ₹2,00,000 to fund or grow their economic ventures.
- Economic Empowerment: By providing both financial support and credit facilities, the scheme empowers women to build sustainable businesses and contribute to their families’ welfare.
Eligibility
- Gender: The applicant must be a woman.
- Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Gujarat.
- Economic Status: Must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Income Criteria:
- For rural applicants: Annual income must not exceed ₹1,20,000.
- For urban applicants: Annual income must not exceed ₹1,50,000.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
- Fill the Prescribed Form: The applicant must complete the prescribed application form with accurate and complete details.
- Submit the Form: Submit the filled-out form along with the necessary documents to the Women’s Economic Development Corporation.
- Helpdesk: For any queries or assistance, contact the designated helpdesk using the provided contact details.
Documents Required
- Age Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Quotation for Business Activities
- Experience Certificate
- Income Proof
- Copy of Ration Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Mahila Swavlamban Scheme?
A1: It is a scheme by the Gujarat government aimed at empowering women by providing financial assistance in the form of a subsidy and loan to support economic activities.
Q2: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A2: The scheme is open to women residents of Gujarat who belong to the BPL category and meet the specified income criteria.
Q3: What financial assistance does the scheme provide?
A3: The scheme offers a subsidy of 15% (up to ₹30,000) and a loan facility of up to ₹2,00,000.
Q4: How will the loan be disbursed?
A4: The loan is disbursed to help women start or expand their economic activities, following the application and approval process.
Q5: Can women from urban areas apply for the scheme?
A5: Yes, the scheme is available to women from both rural and urban areas, provided they meet the income and eligibility requirements.
Q6: Is there any age limit for applying to the scheme?
A6: The specific age limit is not mentioned; eligibility primarily depends on residency, BPL status, and income criteria.
Q7: What is the maximum loan amount available?
A7: The maximum loan amount available under the scheme is ₹2,00,000.
Q8: How is the subsidy calculated?
A8: The subsidy is calculated as 15% of the business cost, with a maximum limit of ₹30,000.
Q9: Can the loan be used for any type of business?
A9: The loan is intended to support economic activities; applicants should verify the specific usage guidelines provided in the scheme’s documentation.
Q10: Where should the application be submitted?
A10: Applications must be submitted offline to the Women’s Economic Development Corporation.
Q11: What documents are required for the application?
A11: Required documents include age proof, Aadhaar card, a quotation for business activities, an experience certificate, income proof, and a copy of the ration card.