New Delhi: The Stand-Up India Scheme, a key government initiative to foster inclusive entrepreneurship, has sanctioned a total of ₹28,996.15 crore in loans to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Women entrepreneurs across India between April 2022 and March 2025, according to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Launched in April 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme aims to provide bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to at least one SC/ST and one woman borrower per bank branch, enabling them to establish greenfield businesses in manufacturing, services, trading, or allied agriculture sectors.
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Key Loan Sanction Highlights (Apr 2022 – Mar 2025):
Beneficiary Segment | No. of Loan Accounts Sanctioned | Amount (₹ Crore)
- SC | 30145 | ₹6437.59
- ST | 9625 | ₹2037.15
- Women (General) | 86738 | ₹20521.41
- Total | 126508 | ₹28996.15
Beyond financial assistance, the scheme also offers a holistic support system via its online portal www.standupmitra.in.
The Stand-Up India platform connects aspiring entrepreneurs to:
- Skilling and training centres
- Mentorship and handholding support
- Entrepreneurship Development Program Centres (EDPs)
- District Industries Centres (DICs)
The scheme also ensures interest rates are capped at MCLR + 3% + Tenor Premium, with a flexible repayment period of up to 7 years and a maximum moratorium of 18 months.
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By combining financial inclusion with ecosystem support, the Stand-Up India Scheme is helping build a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities.
