New Delhi/Madurai, March 2026 – In a significant push towards women’s economic empowerment, the Government of India continues to offer accessible schemes that break financial barriers for women. Whether you are a parent planning for your daughter’s future, a rural woman in a Self-Help Group, or an aspiring entrepreneur wanting to start a boutique, tiffin service, or small manufacturing unit — these government schemes for women provide collateral-free loans, high-interest savings, training, and marketing support.
Here is a complete guide to the top 5 government schemes supporting women’s income and development in 2026.
Comparison of Key Government Schemes for Women
| Scheme Name | Target Group | Key Benefits | Loan / Interest Details | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | Parents of girl child (max 2 accounts per family) | High interest, tax-free maturity, partial withdrawal for education/marriage after 18 | 8.2% p.a. compounded annually | Post Office or authorised bank with Aadhaar, birth certificate |
| Stand Up India Scheme | Women & SC/ST entrepreneurs (above 18 years) | Loans for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services or trade | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, up to 7 years tenure | Online via standupmitra.in or bank branch |
| PM Mudra Yojana (PMMY) | Women starting micro & small businesses | Collateral-free loans for any non-farm activity | Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishore (₹50k–₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5–10 lakh) | Any bank, NBFC or microfinance institution |
| Lakhpati Didi Scheme | Rural women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) | Skill training, loans, subsidies & marketing support to earn ₹1 lakh+ annual income | Training + credit linkage through SHGs | Join local SHG via Gram Panchayat |
| Annapurna Scheme | Women starting food-related businesses (tiffin, catering, food stall) | Loan for kitchen setup, utensils, raw materials | Up to ₹50,000 | Banks or financial institutions |
1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Secure Your Daughter’s Future
This flagship savings scheme allows parents to open an account for their girl child before she turns 10. It offers one of the highest interest rates among small savings schemes at 8.2% per annum (compounded annually), with full tax exemption on interest and maturity amount under Section 80C. Partial withdrawals are permitted after the girl turns 18 for higher education or marriage. Ideal for long-term financial planning for daughters.
2. Stand Up India Scheme – Big Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
Designed specifically for women and SC/ST entrepreneurs, this scheme provides bank loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to set up a new enterprise in manufacturing, services, or trading. The repayment period is up to 7 years with a moratorium option. It aims to promote greenfield ventures and has special focus on first-generation women entrepreneurs.
3. PM Mudra Yojana – Collateral-Free Loans for Small Businesses
One of the most popular schemes, PM Mudra Loan is perfect for women starting or expanding small businesses like beauty parlours, boutiques, tailoring units, or retail shops. Loans are available without collateral in three categories: Shishu, Kishore, and Tarun (up to ₹10 lakh). Women entrepreneurs often receive priority and slight interest concessions.
4. Lakhpati Didi Scheme – Transforming Rural Women into Lakhpati Entrepreneurs
Under the Ministry of Rural Development, this scheme targets women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs). It provides skill training in tailoring, dairy, handicrafts, farming, agarbatti making, and more, along with credit linkage, subsidies, and marketing support through community platforms. The goal is to help rural women achieve an annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh, creating “Lakhpati Didis” across India.
5. Annapurna Scheme – Support for Women in Food Business
This dedicated scheme helps women start or grow food-related enterprises such as home tiffin services, catering, cloud kitchens, or small food stalls. It offers loans up to ₹50,000 for purchasing gas stoves, utensils, raw materials, and other kitchen essentials.
Common Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (also serves as address proof)
- PAN Card
- Passport-size photographs
- Business plan / project report (for loan schemes)
- Birth certificate (for Sukanya Samriddhi)
How to Apply & Official Resources
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Nearest Post Office or authorised bank
- Stand Up India: https://www.standupmitra.in/
- PM Mudra Yojana: Any bank branch or https://www.mudra.org.in/
- Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Local Gram Panchayat or SHG – Official portal: https://lakhpatididi.gov.in/
- Annapurna Scheme: Apply through banks or microfinance institutions
Why These Schemes Matter
These government initiatives are breaking the myth that starting a business or accessing loans is difficult for women. With zero or minimal collateral requirements, flexible repayment, skill training, and marketing support, they are empowering millions of women to become financially independent and contribute to family and community growth.
Women are encouraged to visit their nearest bank, post office, or local SHG to avail these benefits. Greater awareness can help more women turn their dreams into successful enterprises.