The Union Cabinet has extended the Stand-Up India Scheme until 2031, expanding financial assistance for women and entrepreneurs from SC and ST communities.

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• The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension of the Stand-Up India Scheme, continuing its implementation until March 31, 2031.
• The extended scheme aims to support 2.5 lakh additional entrepreneurs from women, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities through improved access to finance.
• The Cabinet has approved the creation of a Credit Guarantee Corpus worth ₹4,111 crore to strengthen lending support and reduce financing barriers.
• Launched in April 2016, the scheme has facilitated loans for more than 2.75 lakh women and entrepreneurs belonging to SC and ST communities.
• The programme supports greenfield projects by providing bank loans above ₹10 lakh and up to ₹1 crore to eligible first-time entrepreneurs.
• Eligible business activities include manufacturing, services, trading and agriculture-allied sectors, encouraging entrepreneurship across diverse economic activities.
• The scheme aims to promote inclusive growth by improving access to formal banking finance and encouraging traditionally underserved communities to establish new businesses.
• By expanding credit access and strengthening guarantees, the government seeks to encourage entrepreneurship and create new economic opportunities for women and SC/ST communities.