Which scheme is focussed on promoting entrepreneurship among SC/STs and women by providing loans at concessionalrates?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: C. Stand-Up India Scheme

The Stand-Up India Scheme was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women. It provides bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore at concessional rates to help them establish greenfield enterprises in the manufacturing, services, or trading sectors.

• The scheme is implemented through scheduled commercial banks (SCBs).
• Each bank branch must provide loans to at least one SC/ST and one woman entrepreneur.
• The scheme covers only new businesses (greenfield enterprises).
• Loans are provided with a repayment tenure of up to 7 years.
• Collateral-free loans are available under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme.
• The scheme also includes handholding support, such as mentorship and financial literacy.

• Startup India : Launched in 2016 to support startups with funding, incubation, and tax benefits but does not specifically target SC/STs and women.
• MUDRA Yojana : Provides micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh under Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun categories for small businesses.
• Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) : A scheme for providing self-employment opportunities to educated unemployed youth but not exclusive to SC/ST or women entrepreneurs.