On April 5, 2025, the Stand-Up India Scheme marked seven years since its launch in 2016. Created under the Ministry of Finance’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” program, it provides bank loans to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women for starting new businesses. The scheme has evolved into a major platform for financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, with over ₹61,000 crore in loans sanctioned nationwide.

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• Scheme launched April 5, 2016, to empower SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs via bank loans.
• Over ₹61,000 crore sanctioned in loans as of March 17, 2025.
• Women-led enterprises saw biggest growth—loan accounts rose from 55,644 to 1,90,844.
• Women loans jumped from ₹12,452 crore to ₹43,984 crore in 6 years.
• SC loan accounts grew from 9,399 to 46,248; amount rose to ₹9,747 crore.
• ST accounts rose from 2,841 to 15,228; loan amount reached ₹3,244 crore.
• Scheme contributed to large-scale job creation and inclusive growth across India.
• Shifted from just funding to a transformational empowerment movement.
• Designed to support first-time entrepreneurs from marginalized communities.
• Seen as a model for financial inclusion and grassroots entrepreneurship in India.