Nandini Sahakar Yojana

The Nandini Sahakar Yojana is a government initiative aimed at empowering women through cooperative structures. Launched by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), this scheme focuses on providing financial assistance, project formulation, and capacity development specifically for women cooperatives.

Objectives

• Socio-Economic Empowerment: Enhance the socio-economic status of women.
• Support Entrepreneurship: Foster entrepreneurial activities among women through cooperatives.

Eligibility Criteria

The following cooperatives can apply for assistance under the scheme:

• Women Cooperative Societies: Registered under any State or Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act.
• Mixed Cooperatives: Any cooperative society with at least 50% women members at the primary level.
• Operational Requirement: Women cooperatives involved in new or innovative activities must have been in operation for at least three months.

Funding

• Loan Structure: There is no specified minimum or maximum limit for financial assistance. Loans are provided for a term of 5-8 years, which includes a moratorium period of 1-2 years on the principal repayment, depending on the project type and revenue streams.
• Financial Disbursement: Loans can be provided either directly or through State Government/UT Administration.
• Interest Subvention:
• New and Innovative Activities: 2% interest subvention on the term loan rate.
• Other Activities: 1% interest subvention on the term loan rate.

NCDC has disbursed approximately ₹6,426.36 crore for the development of women-promoted cooperatives across India.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Reduced Borrowing Costs: Financial assistance and interest subvention can lower the overall cost of borrowing.
• Capacity Building: Training and skill development programs for women cooperative members enhance their capabilities.
• Handholding Support: Continuous guidance during project implementation helps ensure successful outcomes.
• Financial Independence: The scheme promotes income generation and improves the living standards of women.
• Alignment with Government Policies: Supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by fostering self-reliance.
• Encouragement of Entrepreneurial Activities: Empowers women to engage in entrepreneurial ventures through cooperative models.
• Comprehensive Support: Provides a holistic approach by integrating inputs for business plan formulation, capacity development, credit, and subsidies.

Conclusion

The Nandini Sahakar Yojana represents a significant step toward empowering women through cooperative entrepreneurship, promoting financial independence, and enhancing their socio-economic status in society. By providing necessary resources and support, the scheme aims to create a robust framework for women cooperatives across India.