SWAVALAMBINI SCHEME (WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME)

News: The Swavalambini Scheme is a women focused entrepreneurship programme under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aimed at empowering young female students to start their own enterprises

Background & Context

India has:

• Low female labour force participation rate (FLFPR)
• Gender gap in entrepreneurship
• Limited access to finance & networks for women

Swavalambini Scheme

• Build entrepreneurial skills
• Develop confidence
• Provide institutional support

Objective of the Scheme

The scheme aims to:

• Develop entrepreneurial mindset among young women
• Provide structured training (idea → enterprise)
• Increase women-led startups
• Promote economic self-reliance

Key Features of the Scheme

• Target Group:1200 female studentsàFrom Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) & Universities
• Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): Introductory training, awareness about: Business opportunities, government schemes etc
• Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): Business planning, skill development, finance access
• Continuous mentoring, Assistance in: Registration, Funding, Operational challenges

Implementation Mechanism

The scheme is implemented through:

• National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD): Focuses on entrepreneurship training
• Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE): Promotes entrepreneurship in Northeast & India

Significance for India

• Promotes women-led MSMEs, boosts GDP growth, enhances innovation
• Reduces gender gap, promotes financial independence, enhances social status
• Converts job-seekers into job-creators