Stand Up India
Promoting entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women.
The Stand Up India scheme was launched on 5 April 2016. It facilitates bank loans to promote entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrowers for setting up greenfield (new) enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading or agriculture-allied activities.
Scheme at a Glance
| Launched | 5 April 2016 |
| Lead Ministry | Ministry of Finance |
| Loan Range | ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore |
| Target Group | SC/ST & women entrepreneurs |
| Project Type | Greenfield (first-time) enterprises |
Key Features
- Each bank branch is to facilitate loans to at least one SC/ST and one woman borrower.
- Loans cover up to a large portion of the project cost as composite loans (term loan + working capital).
- A web portal provides handholding support and connects borrowers with banks.
- For non-individual enterprises, at least 51% shareholding must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
- The scheme is operational at all scheduled commercial bank branches.
- It is supported by SIDBI and connected with refinancing through the Stand Up India Fund.
- It complements financial-inclusion schemes such as Mudra and PMJDY.
Practice MCQs
Q1. In which year was the Stand Up India scheme launched?
a) 2014 b) 2015 c) 2016 d) 2017
Answer: c) 2016
Q2. Stand Up India provides loans in the range of:
a) ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh b) ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore c) ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh d) ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh
Answer: b) ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
Q3. The scheme primarily targets which groups?
a) SC/ST & women b) Farmers c) Senior citizens d) Students
Answer: a) SC/ST & women
Q4. Stand Up India loans are meant for which type of enterprise?
a) Existing b) Greenfield (new) c) Closed d) Government
Answer: b) Greenfield (new)
Q5. For non-individual enterprises, the minimum shareholding of SC/ST or woman must be:
a) 26% b) 49% c) 51% d) 75%
Answer: c) 51%