The objective of the Mahila Kisan Yojana is to empower women belonging to economically marginalized Charmakar communities—including the Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, and Mochi groups—by providing them with targeted assistance and restoring their dignity. This scheme operates under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance in Maharashtra, in collaboration with the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
The scheme fosters socio-economic advancement for women by providing training, financial aid, and support in the marketing of footwear and leather products to both government agencies and the open market. Stay with us until the end of this article to learn everything there is to know about this scheme.
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Basic Information of Mahila Kisan Yojana
| Beneficiaries | Women belonging to the Charmakar community (Scheduled Caste) residing in Maharashtra |
| Total Loan Package | ₹ 50,000 per eligible beneficiary |
| Subsidy Component | ₹ 10,000 (to reduce the financial burden) |
| Loan Component and Interest | 5% per annum on the loan amount of ₹ 40,000 |
| Income Limit | For the NSFDC scheme: Maximum ₹ 98,000 per annum in rural areas; ₹ 1,20,000 in urban areas |
| Age Limit | 18 to 50 years |
| Land/Title Status | For agricultural projects, the applicant’s or their spouse’s name must appear on the 7/12 Land Extract; alternatively, if only the husband’s name appears, an affidavit is required |
| Implementing Authority | Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra |
| Collaborating Agency | National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) |
| Mode of Application | Submit applications offline at the District Office of LIDCOM (Maharashtra Leather Industries Development Corporation) |
Features and Benefits of the Mahila Kisan Yojana
Listed below are the key features and benefits of the Mahila Kisan Yojana, designed to assist women of the Charmakar community in establishing a secure and independent livelihood:
Financial Assistance of ₹ 50,000 – Each eligible woman receives financial assistance totaling ₹ 50,000—comprising both subsidy and loan components—to support her livelihood activities.
Subsidy to Alleviate Financial Burden – A subsidy of ₹ 10,000 is provided to reduce repayment pressure and make the scheme more affordable for the beneficiaries.
Low-Interest Loan Facility – The remaining ₹ 40,000 is disbursed as a loan at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum, ensuring easy and manageable repayment terms.
Promotion of Entrepreneurship – The scheme fosters self-employment through small-scale enterprises in footwear and leather production, enabling women to start or expand their own businesses.
Fostering Economic and Social Upliftment – By creating stable income opportunities, the scheme enhances women’s financial security and helps them gain greater respect and standing within their communities.
Empowerment through Self-Reliance – It enables women to become economically independent, thereby transforming them into active contributors to their families and society.
Preservation of Traditional Skills – The scheme helps preserve the leather-working heritage of the Charmakar community by transforming traditional craftsmanship into a stable source of income.
A Pathway Out of Poverty – Through sustained financial and vocational support, the scheme assists women in rising above poverty and achieving a higher standard of living.
Eligibility Linked to Land Ownership – Applicants must have their spouse’s name recorded on the 7/12 land extract, thereby ensuring equitable access to the scheme for genuine agricultural workers.
Assistance for Skilled Applicants – Priority is accorded to women possessing experience or knowledge in agriculture or leather-based activities, thereby enhancing the project’s success rate.
Focused Community Development – By targeting women from the Charmakar community, this scheme addresses historical social disadvantages and fosters inclusive development.
Scope for Choice and Flexibility – Beneficiaries can select their preferred project type—whether agriculture, footwear, or leather products—based on their individual skills and interests.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mahila Kisan Yojana
The key conditions you must fulfill to be eligible for the Mahila Kisan Yojana are listed below:
- You must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- This scheme is open exclusively to female applicants.
- You must belong to the Charmakar community (such as Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, or Mochi).
- Your age must be between 18 and 50 years.
- You are required to possess some basic knowledge or experience regarding the chosen trade or activity.
- For farm-related projects, the land must be registered in your name or your husband’s name; alternatively, if the land is registered solely in your husband’s name, the application must be supported by an affidavit.
- To qualify for the 50% subsidy scheme and the margin money benefit, your annual income must fall below the prescribed poverty line.
- For the NSFDC plan, your annual income must not exceed ₹98,000 in rural areas and ₹1,20,000 in urban areas.
Documents Required for the Mahila Kisan Yojana
Here is a simple list of the documents you will need to submit to apply for the Mahila Kisan Yojana:
- Application Form
- Photograph
- Passport
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Proof of Residence
- 7/12 Land Extract
- Proof of Experience or Skill
How to Apply for the Mahila Kisan Yojana
Here are the simple steps you need to follow to apply for the Mahila Kisan Yojana:
- Visit the District Office of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) during regular office hours.
- Request the official application form for the Mahila Kisan Yojana from the concerned officer.
- Carefully fill in all the required details and affix your recent passport-sized photograph to the form.
- Attach self-attested copies of all the necessary documents listed in the required documents section.
- Submit the completed and signed application form, along with the documents, at the LIDCOM District Office.
- Request an acknowledgment or receipt after submission for your reference.
- Safeguard the receipt, as it serves as proof of application and assists with tracking in the future.
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FAQs
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for the Mahila Kisan Yojana. Applicants can obtain the application form free of cost at the District Offices of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM).
What is the objective of the Mahila Kisan Yojana?
The objective of the Mahila Kisan Yojana is to empower women belonging to the Charmakar community by providing them with financial assistance, training, and resources for agriculture and leather-based enterprises.
How does one apply offline? Are there centers available at the district, tehsil, or village levels?
Applicants must visit the LIDCOM District Office during office hours to submit their applications offline.