State Drives Economic Independence for Vulnerable Women
In a effort to promote financial self-reliance and social dignity among women, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the second phase of the ‘Chief Minister Single Women Self-Employment Scheme’ (Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana). Held at Mukhya Sevak Sadan in Dehradun, the event was organized by the Women Empowerment and Child Development (WECD) Department and attended by Minister Rekha Arya alongside key officials.
The scheme provides targeted grants, financial support, and resources to help single women start small businesses, generate local livelihoods, and support their families without facing economic hardships.
Key Highlights and Financial Assistance Structure
The initiative addresses the needs of vulnerable categories of single women, including widows, divorced or abandoned women, unmarried women living independently, acid attack survivors, crime victims, and transgender persons.
Financial & Operational Details
- Project Funding Limit: Provides assistance for self-employment projects with a maximum cost of up to ₹2 Lakh.
- 75% Government Subsidy: The state government covers 75% of the total project cost (up to a maximum grant of ₹1.5 Lakh), with the remaining 25% contributed by the beneficiary through loans or personal resources.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Financial grants are disbursed directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries in structured installments.
- Phase 2 Expansion: The second phase expands financial aid across multiple districts—including Almora, Champawat, Chamoli, Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, and Dehradun—while releasing second-installment grants to earlier phase beneficiaries.
- Eligible Activities: Supports a range of local businesses such as tailoring, beauty parlors, general stores, poultry farming, catering, agriculture, and animal husbandry.
Broader Impact on Women Empowerment in Uttarakhand
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that women serve as the primary pillars of family and social progress. Empowering single women directly reduces rural poverty and strengthens the local economy across hill and plain districts alike.
The initiative joins other major state and national programs—such as the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, interest-free loans for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and 30% horizontal reservation for women in state government jobs—aimed at achieving inclusive economic growth.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister Single Women Self-Employment Scheme |
| Launching Authority | Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami |
| Nodal Department | Women Empowerment & Child Development (WECD), Uttarakhand |
| Event Location | Mukhya Sevak Sadan, Dehradun |
| Max Project Cost | Up to ₹2 Lakh |
| Subsidy Coverage | 75% Grant (Up to ₹1.5 Lakh) from State Government |
| Target Beneficiaries | Widows, divorced, abandoned, crime survivors, and single women |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Chief Minister Single Women Self-Employment Scheme?
It is a state welfare initiative by the Uttarakhand government to provide financial subsidies and support to single women so they can set up self-employment ventures.
What is the subsidy provided under this scheme?
The state government provides a 75% subsidy (up to a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh) for approved self-employment projects worth up to ₹2 lakh.
Who is eligible to apply?
Permanent women residents of Uttarakhand aged 21–50 who are widows, divorced, abandoned, unmarried without family support, crime or acid attack survivors, or transgender persons are eligible.
Where was the Phase 2 launch event held?
The event was hosted by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami at Mukhya Sevak Sadan in Dehradun.
