Mahila Kisan Yojana

The Mahila Kisan Yojana is a focused welfare scheme implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra. This programme works in collaboration with the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC). The scheme is designed specifically to empower women from the Charmakar community – a Scheduled Caste group including sub-communities such as Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, and Mochi. 

It aims to improve their socio-economic status by providing financial assistance for agricultural and allied activities. Through this initiative, the government supports women farmers in enhancing their livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and fostering social dignity.

The following table summarises the key features and parameters of the Mahila Kisan Yojana: 

The Mahila Kisan Yojana offers a range of benefits designed to uplift women farmers from the Charmakar community: 

• Financial Assistance of ₹50,000

The scheme provides a total financial assistance of ₹50,000 to eligible women beneficiaries. This amount includes a subsidy of ₹10,000, which reduces the effective loan burden.

• Affordable Loan with Low Interest Rate

The remaining ₹40,000 is disbursed as a loan at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum. This makes repayment manageable and encourages more women to participate.

• Promotes Economic and Social Development

By supporting agricultural projects and leather product businesses, the scheme helps beneficiaries improve their income and social standing.

• Supports Women Empowerment

The scheme specifically targets women, enabling them to become financially independent and active contributors to their families and communities.

• Encourages Skill-Based Entrepreneurship

It supports the production and sale of footwear and leather articles, which are traditional skills of the Charmakar community, helping preserve cultural heritage while generating income.

• Helps Break the Cycle of Poverty

With income support and business opportunities, the scheme aids in lifting beneficiaries above the poverty line.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the Mahila Kisan Yojana:

• Permanent Resident of Maharashtra

The applicant must be a resident of Maharashtra, supported by valid residential proof.

• Female Applicant

Only women are eligible to apply, aligning with the scheme’s focus on women’s empowerment.

• Belonging to the Charmakar Community

The scheme is exclusively for women from the Charmakar Scheduled Caste community, including sub-groups such as Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, and Mochi.

• Age Between 18 and 50 Years

Applicants must be within this age bracket to ensure active participation in the scheme’s activities.

• Knowledge of the Business or Project

The applicant should have prior knowledge or experience related to the agricultural or leather-based business for which the loan is sought.

• Land Ownership for Agricultural Loans

For agricultural projects, the applicant must have ownership (in her name, jointly with husband, or husband’s name with affidavit) on the 7/12 land extract.

• Income Limits

For the subsidy component, the applicant’s annual income must be below the poverty line. Under the NSFDC scheme, income limits are ₹98,000 for rural and ₹1,20,000 for urban areas.

Applicants should prepare the following documents to complete their application:

• Completed Application Form: Obtained from the District Office of Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM).

• Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A clear photo, signed across if required.

• Income Certificate: Issued by an authorised government officer, verifying the applicant’s income status.

• Caste Certificate: Proof of belonging to the Charmakar Scheduled Caste community.

• Proof of Residence: Valid document confirming Maharashtra residency.

• 7/12 Land Extract: Showing applicant’s name, joint ownership with husband, or husband’s name with affidavit for agricultural loans.

• Proof of Business Knowledge or Experience: Documentation or affidavit demonstrating familiarity with the proposed business.

The application process for the Mahila Kisan Yojana is offline and involves several clear steps. Here is a detailed guide in a step-by-step manner:

• Step 1: Visit the District Office of LIDCOM

Interested applicants should personally visit the District Office of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra during office hours to request the application form.

• Step 2: Obtain and Fill the Application Form

Collect the prescribed form and fill in all mandatory fields carefully. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph, signing across if required.

• Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Include self-attested copies of all necessary documents such as caste certificate, income certificate, proof of residence, 7/12 land extract, and proof of business knowledge.

• Step 4: Submit the Application Form

Submit the completed and signed application form along with all documents to the concerned authority at the LIDCOM District Office within the specified timeline. 

• Step 5: Obtain Acknowledgment Receipt

Request a receipt or acknowledgement slip as proof of submission. This should include the date, time, and a unique identification number if applicable.

• Step 6: Application Verification and Approval

The authorities will verify the submitted documents and application details. Upon successful verification, the loan and subsidy sanction process begins. 

After approval, the loan amount will be disbursed to the beneficiary’s bank account to be used for the intended agricultural or business purpose.

The Mahila Kisan Yojana Maharashtra is a well-structured scheme that empowers women from the Charmakar community by providing affordable financial assistance for agricultural and allied activities. By offering a mix of subsidy and low-interest loans, it reduces financial barriers and promotes entrepreneurship among economically disadvantaged women. 

The scheme not only enhances their economic status but also supports social upliftment and preserves traditional skills. With a straightforward application process and clear eligibility criteria, the mahila kisan scheme is a valuable tool for improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive growth in Maharashtra’s economically backward communities.