“Stree Shakti Self Help Groups Support Scheme – A Step Toward Women Empowerment”
Empowering women economically and socially plays a crucial role in the progress of any nation. With this vision, the Government of Karnataka launched the Stree Shakti Self Help Group (SHG) Scheme in the year 2000. The objective of this scheme is to organize women from rural and urban areas into self-help groups, involve them in income-generating activities, and guide them toward self-reliance.
Objectives of the Scheme:
- Promote economic independence among women
- Support women in starting enterprises/businesses through SHGs
- Provide loan facilities along with 100% loan waiver or subsidy
- Encourage leadership, decision-making freedom, and self-respect among women
- Spread awareness about social issues (health, education, gender equality, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant must be a woman
- Age should be between 18 and 60 years
- Belong to a low-income family (BPL or EWS)
- Must be a member of an SHG (groups of 6 to 20 members)
- The SHG must be active for at least 6 months
Implementation:
- The scheme is implemented through the Department of Women and Child Development at the Gram Panchayat level
- With guidance from Anganwadi centers, CDPOs (Child Development Project Officers), and officials from the Department of Women Empowerment
- Loans and subsidies are facilitated through bank linkages
Key Components of the Scheme:
Bank Loans and Subsidies:
- Loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 through banking institutions
- 30% to 50% repayment waiver or interest-free loans available
Entrepreneurship Training:
- Training in areas like papad making, fruit & vegetable processing, instant food preparation, handicrafts, catering, fashion designing, etc.
Marketing Platforms:
- District-level fairs, exhibitions, shops, and local markets (“Sante”) are organized to sell products
- Support for setting up units like fertilizer centers, fruit & vegetable kiosks, and clean drinking water plants
Benefits of the Scheme:
- Independent income source for women
- Participation in household financial decisions
- Development of financial discipline through microfinance and bank linkage
- Opportunity to foster social unity and cooperation
- Skills and confidence to start enterprises
Success Stories (Examples):
Badiyala Village, Mandya District:
The local Stree Shakti SHG has succeeded in milk production and sales, with each member earning about ₹7,000 per month.
Group from Chitradurga District:
They specialize in papad making and have gained recognition by participating in state-level fairs, building their own brand.
How to Join:
- Visit your local Anganwadi center or Gram Panchayat office
- Get guidance from CDPO or Assistant Development Officer (ADO)
- Join an existing group or form a new SHG
- Start the bank linkage process
Contact Details:
Department of Women and Child Development
www.dwcd.kar.nic.in
CDPO Office – Available at the Taluk level
The Stree Shakti Self Help Group Scheme is not just a loan or subsidy scheme for women—it is a transformative path. It brings women from within the confines of their homes to the forefront of society. By providing access to independent income, technology, market knowledge, and leadership, the scheme is becoming a backbone of rural economic growth.