Women from economically weaker sections often face difficulties in securing financial support for self-employment and business opportunities. To bridge this gap, the Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), New Delhi, has introduced the Swarnima Yojana. This scheme provides low-interest loans to women from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) to encourage self-employment and financial independence.
What is the Swarnima Yojana?
The Swarnima Yojana is designed to provide financial assistance to OBC women, enabling them to start or expand their businesses. The scheme supports self-help groups (SHGs) and offers loans at minimal interest rates, ensuring a smoother path toward economic empowerment.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Financial assistance of up to ₹5,00,000 per Self-Help Group (SHG) project.
- ₹25,000 per beneficiary, with a maximum of 20 members per SHG.
- 95% of the funding is provided by the Central Corporation, while 5% is covered by the State Corporation.
- No beneficiary contribution required.
- Low interest rate of 5% per annum.
- Repayment period of up to 3 years, easing financial burden and planning.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the Swarnima Yojana, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Must be a domicile of Maharashtra.
- Must be between 18 to 50 years of age.
- Annual family income should not exceed:
- ₹98,000 in rural areas.
- ₹1,20,000 in urban areas.
How to Apply for the Swarnima Yojana?
The application process is offline. Here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the District Office of LIDCOM
- The applicant must visit the District Office of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) during office hours.
- Request a hard copy of the application form from the concerned authority.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form for Swarnima Yojana
- Complete the application form carefully with all required details.
- Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
- Submit the completed application form to the concerned authority at the LIDCOM office.
Step 4: Collect the Acknowledgment Receipt
- Request an acknowledgment receipt after submission.
- Ensure the receipt contains the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Two passport-sized photographs (signed across).
- Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra.
- Bank Account Details (including Bank Name, Branch, Address, and IFSC Code).
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, Class 10th/12th Marksheet, etc.).
- Any other document required by the District Office.
Conclusion
The Swarnima Yojana is a crucial step toward promoting self-employment and financial independence among OBC women. By offering affordable loans and flexible repayment options, the scheme empowers women to build sustainable businesses and contribute to economic growth. If you or someone you know qualifies for this scheme, visit the nearest LIDCOM District Office and apply today!
