New Opportunities for Women Working in Rural India

Another major effort is the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which organizes economically disadvantaged rural women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups provide skill development, financial support, and access to credit. So far, over 8.39 crore women have joined 76.94 lakh SHGs, helping them increase their income and break free from poverty.

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a microfinance scheme targeting women from low-income backgrounds. It offers training, facilitates SHG formation, and provides microloans at concessional rates to encourage entrepreneurship and financial self-sufficiency.

Additionally, the Main Pragati program (by CRISIL Foundation) focuses on improving financial literacy among marginalized rural women, equipping them with the knowledge to manage finances, save money, and engage in income-generating activities.

For women entrepreneurs, the Mudra Yojana offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh to support small businesses, particularly in rural regions. Similarly, the Udyogini Scheme provides subsidized loans to women from underprivileged communities to start or expand businesses, with a special focus on rural industries.

The government also extends larger loans, ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, to women and SC/ST entrepreneurs for establishing new enterprises. Meanwhile, the Annapurna Scheme supports women in launching food-related businesses by offering loans of up to ₹50,000, further strengthening rural self-reliance.

Lastly, Mission Shakti encompasses two key components: Sambal (ensuring safety and security) and Samarthya (empowerment). This mission promotes skill development, vocational training, and economic independence for rural women, creating a more equitable and sustainable future.