Haryana launches a loan scheme to empower widowed women entrepreneurs

Financial independence for widowed women.
The Haryana Women’s Development Corporation has come up with a special scheme designed especially to uplift widowed women by enabling them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. This program combines financial aid and skill-building to help women start their own businesses or expand existing small businesses.
Key features of the scheme
Under this scheme, women can avail loans up to ₹3 lakhs from banks. The government, in return, will also shoulder part of the burden by providing them with interest that will amount to ₹50,000 or more for three years, whichever comes first.
Also, to ensure this commitment, beneficiaries are required to contribute 10% of the project cost themselves.
Skill development
Apart from the financial help, the scheme also includes vocational training modules. Women will be trained in skills too , such as tailoring, food processing, boutique management, rickshaw driving, etc. The dual approach ensures that beneficiaries not only have access to funds but also can run the business efficiently.
Expected expansion
The scheme has been launched as a pilot in Panchkula district, with a target of 20 women in the first phase. If it is successful, the Haryana government is also planning to expand it to other districts. Officials hope that this initiative will also provide widowed women a fresh start and confidence while making them financially stable.