Banks Sanction ₹62,791 Crore to 2.75 Lakh Beneficiaries Under Stand-Up India Scheme

The Stand-Up India Scheme, launched in April 2016 to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women, has achieved a significant milestone. As of August 2025, banks have sanctioned ₹62,791 crore in loans to 2,75,291 beneficiaries, according to information presented in Parliament by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.

About the Stand-Up India Scheme

The scheme was introduced on 5 April 2016 with the objective of encouraging greenfield enterprises by providing financial support to underrepresented sections.

Key Features

• Eligibility: At least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks.
• Loan Amount: Between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore.

Sectors Covered

• Trading
• Manufacturing
• Services
• Activities allied to agriculture

The initiative ensures financial inclusion and supports job creation by enabling new entrepreneurs to establish businesses.

Achievements So Far

• Loans Sanctioned: ₹62,791 crore
• Total Beneficiaries: 2,75,291 accounts (SC/ST and women entrepreneurs)
• Impact: Empowered first-time entrepreneurs, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions, to access formal credit for business creation.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for Crop Loans

Alongside Stand-Up India, the government has also strengthened agriculture credit support,

• Under MISS, a total of ₹17,811.72 crore was disbursed in FY 2024–25 for short-term crop loans.
• This includes interest subvention and Prompt Repayment Incentives (PRI).
• The scheme reduces the effective interest burden on farmers, improving credit affordability and supporting rural incomes.

Why It Matters

The combined measures demonstrate the government’s focus on,

• Inclusive Entrepreneurship – Facilitating access to capital for women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
• Agricultural Credit Support – Reducing farmers’ financial stress with subsidies.
• Digital Lending Regulation – Ensuring safe innovation in India’s fintech sector.

Together, these efforts contribute to inclusive growth, rural development, and financial stability.