Union Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman announces revamped Stand-up India scheme for SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs
- IBEF
- March 17, 2026
The Union Government will launch a revamped version of the Stand-Up India Scheme to provide enhanced support to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women entrepreneurs across the country. Replying to supplementary questions in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman said the earlier version of the scheme, launched in April 2016, concluded in March last year and is now being redesigned to deliver greater benefits to beneficiaries. The revamp follows a review conducted by NITI Aayog and other government departments to strengthen the programme’s effectiveness and expand its reach among underrepresented entrepreneurs. The initiative is aimed at improving access to institutional credit and encouraging more individuals from these groups to establish their own enterprises.
The Stand-Up India Scheme focuses on promoting entrepreneurship by facilitating bank loans ranging from Rs. 10 lakh (US$ 10,835) to Rs. 1 crore (US$ 108,354) for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading, and allied agricultural activities. Under the programme, every branch of scheduled commercial banks is encouraged to support at least one SC/ST borrower and one-woman entrepreneur. The scheme has played an important role in promoting financial inclusion and enabling aspiring entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities to access formal credit. By providing institutional support and easier financing options, the revamped initiative aims to strengthen emerging entrepreneurship, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to inclusive economic growth in the country.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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