The Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme, launched by the Minorities Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka, and implemented by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDCL), is a transformative initiative aimed at economically empowering widowed, divorced, and unmarried women from minority communities. This scheme provides financial assistance in the form of a loan and subsidy, enabling beneficiaries to undertake various economic activities and achieve self-reliance. With a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, the scheme ensures that marginalized women have access to resources that can help them build sustainable livelihoods.

What is the Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme?

The Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme is designed to uplift economically disadvantaged women from minority communities by providing them with ₹50,000 in total financial assistance. This includes ₹25,000 as a loan and ₹25,000 as a subsidy. The funds are intended to support women in starting small businesses, engaging in self-employment activities, or undertaking income-generating projects.

This initiative is particularly significant for widowed, divorced, and unmarried women who often face socio-economic challenges and limited opportunities for financial independence. By offering a combination of financial aid and subsidies, the scheme reduces the burden of repayment while encouraging entrepreneurship.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

1. Financial Assistance :
   • Total assistance: ₹50,000.
     • ₹25,000 as a loan.
     • ₹25,000 as a subsidy.
2. Purpose of Subsidy :
   • The subsidy component reduces the financial burden on beneficiaries, making it easier for them to repay the loan while focusing on their economic activities.
3. Target Group :
   • Widowed, divorced, and unmarried women from minority communities.
4. Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship :
   • Encourages beneficiaries to undertake income-generating activities such as small-scale businesses, tailoring, handicrafts, animal husbandry, and other self-employment ventures.

Who is Eligible for the Scheme?

To avail the benefits of the Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria;

1. Gender :
   • Only female applicants are eligible.
2. Marital Status :
   • Widowed, divorced, or unmarried women.
3. Community :
   • The applicant must belong to a religious minority community as defined in the Government Order.
4. Residency :
   • The applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka.
5. Age :
   • The applicant’s age should be between 18 and 55 years.
6. Income Limit :
   • The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹3,50,000.
7. Government Employee Exclusion :
   • The applicant or her family members should not be State or Central Government employees.
8. Previous Benefits :
   • The applicant or her family members should not have availed benefits under any other KMDCL scheme (excluding the Arivu Scheme) in the last 5 years.

How to Apply – Online Process

The application process for the Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme is entirely online, ensuring convenience and transparency. Here’s how you can apply;

1. Visit the Official Website :
   Go to the official website of the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDCL).
2. Apply Online :
   • Click on “Apply Online” and enter your mobile number. Submit the details.
3. Verify Aadhaar :
   • Enter your Aadhaar number, fill in the captcha, and proceed.
4. OTP Verification :
   • An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP and continue.
5. Select the Scheme :
   • Choose the “Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme” from the list of available schemes.
6. Fill in Basic Details :
   • Provide details such as father’s name, gender, educational qualifications, and address.
7. Upload Documents :
   • Upload required documents such as a passport-sized photo, caste/minority certificate, income certificate, Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and self-declaration forms.
8. Submit Application :
   • Review the application, click “Proceed,” and then “Submit Application.” Note down the Application ID for future reference.

Essential Documents

To ensure a smooth application process, gather the following documents;

1. Project report detailing the proposed economic activity.
2. Caste/Minority certificate issued by the competent authority.
3. Income certificate issued by the competent authority.
4. Copy of Aadhaar card as proof of residence.
5. Copy of bank passbook.
6. Self-declaration form from the surety (if applicable).
7. Self-declaration form.
8. Passport-sized photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is this scheme about?
The scheme provides ₹50,000 (₹25,000 loan + ₹25,000 subsidy) to widowed, divorced, and unmarried women from minority communities to undertake economic activities.

Q2. Who can apply for this scheme?
Widowed, divorced, and unmarried women aged 18–55 years, belonging to minority communities, and residing permanently in Karnataka are eligible.

Q3. What is the financial assistance provided?
A total of ₹50,000 is provided, comprising ₹25,000 as a loan and ₹25,000 as a subsidy.

Q4. What documents are needed for the application?
You need a project report, caste/minority certificate, income certificate, Aadhaar card, bank passbook, self-declaration forms, and a passport-sized photo.

Q5. How do I apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted online through the KMDCL official website.

Q6. Can I apply if I work for the government?
No, government employees or their family members are not eligible.

Q7. Can I reapply if I received benefits from KMDCL before?
No, applicants who have availed benefits under any other KMDCL scheme (except Arivu Scheme) in the last 5 years are ineligible.

Q8. Is a guarantor required for the loan?
Yes, a self-declaration form from the surety may be required.

Q9. What is the purpose of the subsidy?
The subsidy reduces the financial burden on beneficiaries, helping them repay the loan while focusing on their economic activities.

Q10. Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee for this scheme.

Why Choose the Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme?

The Shramashakthi Special Women’s Scheme is a beacon of hope for widowed, divorced, and unmarried women from minority communities in Karnataka. By providing financial assistance and reducing the repayment burden through subsidies, the scheme empowers women to overcome socio-economic challenges and build sustainable livelihoods.

Scheme Guidelines

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If you’re a woman from a minority community looking to start a business or engage in income-generating activities, this scheme offers the perfect opportunity to transform your aspirations into reality. Apply today and take the first step toward financial independence!