What is Mahila Samriddhi Yojana? Check Eligibility Criteria and Key Details

To improve the economic and social position of women, especially economically weaker women, the government has initiated various programs. One among them is the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, aimed at financial support and encouraging self-employment opportunities for women. 

Spearheaded by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, this initiative fulfills a key poll promise made by the BJP during the Delhi Assembly elections. The official announcement is expected to coincide with International Women's Day during a Mahila Diwas program at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This article delves into the key details of the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and required documents.

Overview of Mahila Samriddhi Yojana

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana aims to empower women by granting them economic support and the scope of self-employment. The scheme exists in various forms, each suited to fulfill certain requirements. For example, the scheme in Delhi grants a monthly allowance to eligible women, whereas others target giving subsidized interest rate loans for micro-enterprises and vocational training.

Delhi Mahila Samriddhi Yojana

In Delhi, the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana providing economically weaker women with a financial support of ₹2,500 per month. This is an extension of the government's effort to provide stable income to women and enable them to contribute towards the well-being of their family.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Women must be between 18 and 60 years old.
• Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹3 lakh.
• Taxation: They should not be required to pay income tax.
• Employment: Applicants should not hold a government job.
• Residency: They must be residents of Delhi.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Address Proof
• Ration Card
• BPL Card (if applicable)
• Aadhaar Linked Bank Account
• Income Certificate
• Passport Size Photograph
• Caste Certificate (if applicable).

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Mahila Samriddhi Scheme: Application Process

The Delhi government is currently developing an online portal to facilitate the registration process. Key steps in the application process include:

• Online Portal: The online portal will serve as the primary platform for submitting applications and accessing information about the scheme.
• Dedicated IT System: A dedicated IT system will be developed to efficiently verify applications and filter eligible candidates. This system will streamline the process and ensure that only qualified applicants receive the benefits.
• Data Sharing: Various government departments have been directed to share data to help identify potential beneficiaries. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that all eligible women are aware of the scheme and have the opportunity to apply.
• Aadhaar Linking: The application form is expected to be linked with Aadhaar, requiring applicants to provide details such as their name, address, bank account information, and family information. This linkage helps ensure transparency and reduces the potential for fraudulent applications.
• Automated Verification: The system will automatically check if the applicant is a taxpayer or a recipient of existing government schemes, such as widow or old-age pensions. If any duplicate applications are detected, they will be automatically rejected.

General Version of Mahila Samriddhi Yojana

Beyond Delhi, the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana focuses on supporting women in rural and semi-urban areas by providing financial assistance and vocational training. This version is particularly beneficial for women engaged in micro-businesses, handicrafts, agriculture, and small-scale industries.

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Required Documents

Applicants need to provide:

• Address Proof
• Identity Proof
• SHG Membership ID (if applicable)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Income Certificate
• Aadhaar Card
• Bank Account Details
• Recent Passport Size Photographs.

The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana is a major move towards empowering women in India. Through financial assistance and self-employment opportunities, it enables women to become economically independent and contribute to the economic well-being of their families. With increasing numbers of women benefiting from this scheme, it is likely to contribute positively towards gender equality and economic growth in the nation. The government's pledge to these schemes reflects its commitment to developing a more equal and inclusive society for everyone.