The Stand-Up India Scheme, launched on April 5, 2016, by the Ministry of Finance under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, has completed seven years. It was designed to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish new businesses. Over the years, the scheme has transformed into a movement that promotes inclusive growth and has sanctioned over Rs. 61,000 crore in loans.

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• The Stand-Up India Scheme completed 7 years of empowering marginalized entrepreneurs on April 5, 2023.
• It has sanctioned over Rs. 61,000 crore in loans for SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs since its inception.
• The scheme was launched to support the establishment of new businesses by underrepresented groups.
• The loan amount sanctioned grew from Rs. 16,085 crore in 2019 to Rs. 61,020 crore by March 17, 2025.
• SC loan accounts grew from 9,399 to 46,248, with loan amounts increasing from Rs. 1,826 crore to Rs. 9,747 crore.
• ST beneficiaries saw their loan accounts grow from 2,841 to 15,228, and sanctioned loans increased from Rs. 574 crore to Rs. 3,244 crore.
• Women entrepreneurs saw the most growth: their accounts grew from 55,644 to 1,90,844, with sanctioned loans rising from Rs. 12,452 crore to Rs. 43,984 crore.
• The scheme has been instrumental in generating employment and fostering economic inclusion.
• Between March 2018 and March 2024, significant growth in financial empowerment was seen across the target groups.
• The Stand-Up India Scheme continues to drive inclusive economic growth and entrepreneurial success across India.