Coir Vikas Yojana-Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana

The Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana is a government scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). This programme forms part of the Coir Vikas Yojana aimed at supporting the coir industry across India.

The programme focuses on two main areas:  skills for workers in the coir sector;empowering women through the Mahila Coir Yojana.

The Mahila Coir Yojana targets rural women artisans in coir-producing regions. You receive training in spinning coir yarn and making coir products. After completing the training, you can get subsidised spinning equipment. This helps you start your own coir-based business. The initiative creates self-employment opportunities for women and helps improve the standard of living for rural women artisans.

Key aims driving skill development and women’s empowerment in the coir sector:

• The scheme trains workers in supervisor, instructor and artisan roles, equipping them to find employment in  the coir industry

• It helps bring coir skills and technology to new areas where coir production is not yet common, supporting women to start coir businesses in these places.

• The programme assists trained women artisans in getting spinning equipment. You are also provided with assistance to procure product manufacturing machinery.

• It encourages new entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. This applies to both traditional and non-traditional areas.

• The scheme builds quality awareness among workers at the grassroots level. You learn methods of producing standard quality fibre, yarn and products

• It creates awareness among coconut growers and encourages them to set up coir-based units. It also helps modernise existing units for better productivity.

• The programme generates employment in rural areas of coconut-producing regions

The scheme helps women artisans to start and grow their coir businesses through the following subsidies and support:

• You receive a monthly stipend of up to ₹3,000 during training

• Training programmes are conducted at the National Coir Training and Design Centre. They also run at Regional Extension Centres and field-level centres.

• Women artisans get 75% subsidy on motorised ratt and electronic ratt. The maximum subsidy is ₹7,500 for motorised Ratt and ₹3,200 for motorised traditional and electronic ratt

• Subsidy of up to ₹7,500 is available for various coir processing machinery. This includes willowing machines, looms, dyeing units and handicraft units

• Your contribution is only 25% of the equipment cost. This makes it affordable to start your own coir business.

• The scheme covers coir-producing coastal states. These include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Maharashtra. It also covers Gujarat, Goa and the North East Region.

• You receive a completion certificate after successful completion of training. This helps you establish credibility in the industry.

• Trained beneficiaries can avail assistance under other schemes. You can enroll for the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) to set up coir units

Listed below are the requirements to be eligible to apply for the scheme:

• You must be a woman artisan from rural areas in the coir-producing regions.

• You should have completed training in spinning coir yarn. Training in coir processing activities through Coir Board's training centres also qualifies.

• You must be able to read and write.

• Your age should be between 18 and 40 years.

• You need to provide proper identification. Use Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Ration Card or other government-issued certificates.

• You should not have received machinery under the Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY) scheme previously. Only one equipment per beneficiary is allowed.

• You must successfully pass the practical test. This test is conducted at the end of the training programme.

Step-by-step process to enrol in training and obtain subsidised equipment:

1. Visit the nearest Coir Board Regional Office or Sub-Regional Office. You can also visit the training centre in your area. Enquire about upcoming training programmes.

2. Download the application form from the official Coir Board website at www.coirboard.gov.in. You can also collect it from any Coir Board field office.

3. Fill in the application form with accurate details. Include your name, address, age, educational qualification and contact information.

4. Attach all required documents. These include identity proof (Voter ID or Aadhaar Card), age proof and passport-size photographs. Add caste certificate if applicable.

5. Submit the completed application form to the Regional Officer. You can also submit it to the Sub-Regional Officer of the Coir Board in your area.

6. After selection, you will undergo training at designated Coir Board centres. The training duration is typically 2 to 6 months.

7. Upon successful completion of training, you must pass the practical test. You will receive a training completion certificate.

8. Open a separate bank account at a post office or scheduled bank. This account will receive the subsidy under the Mahila Coir Yojana.

9. Deposit your contribution (25% of the machinery cost). Deposit it into the designated account maintained by the Regional Office.

10. Submit the proof of your contribution. Also submit the invoice for the machinery you wish to purchase. Give these to the Regional Officer or Sub-Regional Officer.

11. The Coir Board releases the subsidy amount (75% of the cost). This happens after verification. The machinery will be supplied to you within two months of training completion.

For online applications, visit the Coir Board portal at http://coirservices.gov.in/.

The Coir Vikas Yojana with Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana empowers rural women artisans. The scheme operates in coir-producing regions across India. It provides affordable training and subsidised equipment. This helps build sustainable livelihoods. The scheme also contributes to the growth of the traditional coir industry.

The combination of skill development and financial support creates opportunities. You get access to modern machinery. This creates real opportunities for self-employment. Rural women gain economic independence through these programmes.

Women entrepreneurs who complete this training can explore business loan options such as MSME loans, small business loans for women, expansion loans, and manufacturing sector loans to help start or grow their coir businesses.