Uttar Pradesh to provide interest-free credit of up to ₹1 lakh to 1 crore women

Uttar Pradesh government is launching an interest-free credit scheme for women in self-help groups under Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission. The scheme will help nearly 1 crore women start or grow micro-businesses. This is part of women empowerment schemes that support female entrepreneurs.

Credit structure

Total credit of ₹1 lakh comes in three stages:

• First part: ₹20,000
• Second part: ₹30,000, given after repaying the first amount on time
• Third part: ₹50,000, given after repaying the second amount on time

Eligible women will get a special credit card for these payments. Rural Development Department is drafting the proposal for this scheme, which was announced in the 2026-27 state budget. This work adds to existing state support like UP Mahila Samarthya Yojana and UP BC Sakhi Yojana, which help rural women become financially independent.