Odisha Government Extends Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Women Self-Help Groups

Bhubaneswar, April 15 – In a significant move to empower women and foster entrepreneurship, the Odisha government has decided to extend its interest-free loan scheme for women self-help groups (SHGs) in the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi gave his approval to the proposal on Tuesday, ensuring that the initiative will continue through the financial year 2025-26 and beyond.

The interest-free loan scheme, which had already been extended until March 2025, will allow women’s SHGs to borrow up to Rs 10 lakh without any interest. This scheme is aimed at enhancing women’s participation in economic activities and providing them with the financial support needed to start or scale up their businesses.

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that this extension will not only create more women entrepreneurs but also help elevate many to millionaire status. The initiative is expected to stimulate both rural and urban economies by integrating women more deeply into the economic mainstream.

By making access to capital easier for self-help groups, the government aims to promote women-led businesses, encouraging rural and urban women to actively contribute to the state’s economic growth.

The continuation of this loan scheme is seen as a vital step toward strengthening the role of women in Odisha’s economic landscape, providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in business and furthering gender equality in the state.