Coir Vikas Yojana-Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana

Coir Vikas Yojana-Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through the Coir Board, Kochi. It provides skill training, stipend support and subsidised spinning equipment to help artisans and rural women start and grow coir-processing units across India. The scheme is still open for applications through the Regional and Sub-Regional Offices of the Coir Board in 2026.

The scheme is a key part of Coir Vikas Yojana (CVY), earlier known as the Coir Plan (General) scheme. It works on two main pillars: Skill Upgradation and the Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY). Through this initiative, the Coir Board runs Entrepreneurship Development Programmes, workshops and awareness seminars to encourage people to set up their own coir-processing units. Advanced training in spinning, weaving and value-added product making helps build a skilled workforce for the industry.

Coir Vikas Yojana-Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana - Introduction

The Mahila Coir Yojana focuses on rural women artisans living in regions where coir fibre is produced. It gives them skill training and motorised spinning equipment at a subsidised rate so they can improve their productivity and income. After training, women can set up their own small units and connect with PMEGP support to get their business going.

Under the Skill Upgradation part, training programmes are run through the National Coir Training and Design Centre (NCT&DC), Kalavoor, the Research-cum-Extension Centre, Thanjavur, and the Field Training Centres of the Regional and Sub-Regional Offices. Trainees get a monthly stipend during the course, and sponsoring agencies get help to cover the operational cost of running the training.

Key Information

Benefits

When you take part in this scheme, you get modern manufacturing knowledge and management training that helps your unit run well. The training turns artisans into skilled entrepreneurs. The financial support available for training has been revised and the current rates are given below.

For training programmes that run for less than one month, the stipend is paid on a pro-rata basis. Under the Mahila Coir Yojana, rural women get a one-time subsidy of 75% on the cost of a motorised ratt or motorised traditional ratt. The subsidy is capped at ₹7500 for a motorised ratt and ₹3200 for a motorised traditional or electronic ratt.

The approved subsidy is released through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) once the unit is set up and running as per the scheme rules. Field officers of the Coir Board also help you connect with PMEGP benefits so your business gets a strong start.

Eligibility

To organise training programmes, your organisation should meet the following conditions.

• You must be a Self Help Group (SHG), an NGO registered on the Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog, or a Government Organisation.
• You should have existing infrastructure such as adequate work sheds, an operational power connection, the required equipment and access to raw materials to run the training successfully.

For the Mahila Coir Yojana, the main beneficiaries are rural women artisans in regions where coir fibre is produced. Individual trainees can also be sponsored through trade associations, unit owners, Industries Departments, NGOs and co-operatives for the training programmes.

Application Process

You have to apply for these training programmes through the local Regional or Sub-Regional Office of the Coir Board. The application is done offline, so you need to get the prescribed form from the nearest Coir Board office.

STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Regional or Sub-Regional Office of the Coir Board and collect the application form for the Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana training programme.

STEP 2 - Fill in the form with your personal and organisation details and select the training component for which you want support.

STEP 3 - Attach the required documents such as identity proof, address proof, bank account details and, for NGOs and SHGs, the Darpan Portal registration certificate.

STEP 4 - Submit the completed application to the Regional or Sub-Regional Officer. The officer verifies the proposal and forwards eligible applications to the Steering Committee for approval.

STEP 5 - Once approved, the stipend and subsidy are credited directly to the beneficiary bank account through DBT using the PFMS system.

Documents

For training sponsoring agencies, the following documents are required.

• Copy of the registration certificate from the Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog.
• Details about the source of raw materials.
• Proof of a valid power connection and the machinery available for training.
• Documents showing your current infrastructure and work shed availability.

For individual trainees, the required documents are given below.

• Valid identification such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID or PAN Card.
• Address proof and current bank account details.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Caste or disability certificate, if you are claiming benefits under these categories.

References

Revised Operational Guidelines - MSME | Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana - MSME | Coir Vikas Yojana Guidelines

FAQ's

What is Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana?

This is a dual-purpose scheme that provides vocational training for men and women to enter the coir industry while giving special support to rural women to become independent entrepreneurs.

What is the primary objective of this scheme?

The objectives are to create a skilled workforce, transfer modern coir-processing technology to rural areas, provide self-employment for women and promote quality manufacturing standards.

Who implements this scheme?

The Coir Board, Kochi, through its Regional and Sub-Regional Offices across the country, implements this scheme.

Which organisations are eligible to apply?

NGOs registered on the Darpan Portal, SHGs and Government agencies can apply to act as training sponsoring partners.

What stipend do trainees get?

Trainees receive a monthly stipend of ₹1000 during their training period. For courses shorter than one month, the stipend is paid on a pro-rata basis.

What subsidy is available under the Mahila Coir Yojana?

Rural women get a 75% subsidy on motorised ratt, capped at ₹7500, and ₹3200 for a motorised traditional or electronic ratt.

Can I get help to set up my own unit?

Yes. The Coir Board provides handholding support and helps you connect with PMEGP schemes where you can get support for projects costing up to ₹25 lakhs.