The Swavalambini Scheme is a specialized Women Entrepreneurship Programme recently highlighted by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in the Lok Sabha. Launched in February 2025, it aims to transform female students from job seekers into job creators.
Overview and Objectives
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Implementing Agencies: National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Noida, and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati.
- Knowledge Partner: NITI Aayog (through its Women Entrepreneurship Platform).
- Goal: To cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among young women and provide a structured pathway for enterprise creation.
Structured Programme Model
The scheme follows a three-stage approach targeting 1,200 female students from Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) and Universities:
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP):
- An introductory phase for all 1,200 participants.
- Focuses on basic awareness of entrepreneurship and available support mechanisms.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP):
- Intensive training for 600 selected students from the EAP phase.
- Covers critical business areas: skilling, financial literacy, market linkages, legal compliance, and networking.
- Mentorship and Handholding (21 Weeks):
- Personalized support to translate business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
- Involves industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs as mentors.
Institutional Support and Incentives
- NITI Aayog’s Role: Beyond mentoring, it facilitates seed funding and organizes workshops.
- Rewards successful entrepreneurs emerging from the programme to inspire others.
- Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A five-day training for faculty members to ensure long-term institutional support for aspiring women entrepreneurs within their colleges.
- Pilot Phase Coverage: Initially launched in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh.
