Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Women’s Startup Scheme Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra

Pune, 30th July 2024: The Maharashtra government has introduced the ‘Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Mahila Startup Yojana’ to support and encourage women-led startups, particularly those initiated by school and college students through incubation centres. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance and foster an entrepreneurial spirit among women across the state.

The initiative is designed to boost women-led startups by providing adequate funding, which in turn will generate employment for other women. By focusing on local needs and utilizing local raw materials, these startups will contribute to the development of self-reliance among women and enhance the startup ecosystem at both urban and rural levels.

– The scheme aspires to establish Maharashtra as the state with the highest number of women-led startups in India.
– It aims to reduce unemployment by generating employment through women-led startups.
– 25 percent of the scheme’s total provision will be reserved for women from backward and economically disadvantaged classes.
– Financial assistance ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 25 lakh will be provided to eligible early-stage startups based on their turnover.

To be eligible for the scheme, the startup must be a Maharashtra-registered, women-led business recognized by the Department of Industry and Internal Trade Promotion, Government of India. Additionally, the startup should have at least 51 percent ownership by women founders or co-founders, be operational for at least one year, and have an annual turnover between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 10 crore. Startups that have already received financial benefits from any state government scheme are not eligible.

Application and Selection Process:
The Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSIS) will implement the scheme. Interested applicants can apply online at www.msins.in, free of cost. Required documents include the company proposal, registration certificates, and approval certificate from the Department of Industry and Internal Trade Promotion.

Priority will be given to innovative and effective startups, particularly those generating employment. The evaluation committee, formed by the Commissioner of Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Commissionerate, will review applications. Selected startups will present their projects, and those meeting the criteria will receive subsidies.

A “Control and Review Committee,” chaired by the Secretary of Skill Employment Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, will periodically review and amend the scheme to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

Sachin Jadhav, Assistant Commissioner of the Skill Employment Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Pune, stated, “The startup ecosystem is being strengthened by organizing innovative activities like Maharashtra Startup Yatra, Student Innovation Challenge, and Startup Week through the Maharashtra State Innovation Society. For information about this scheme, women should contact the District Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre at 481, Rasta Peth, Pune, or the nearest Incubation Centre.”