Nandini Sahakar Scheme: Empowering Women Cooperatives with Financial Assistance and Support

Nandini Sahakar Scheme: Empowering Women Cooperatives with Financial Assistance and Support

The Nandini Sahakar Scheme, initiated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), focuses on providing financial assistance, project formulation support, and capacity development specifically for women cooperatives. The scheme aims to enhance the entrepreneurial activities of women by offering a broad framework of assistance without any stipulated minimum or maximum financial limits.

Objectives

  • Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat: The scheme is designed to support the principles outlined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It seeks to bolster the socio-economic status of women through a supportive framework for their cooperatives.
  • Entrepreneurial Support: By converging critical inputs such as enterprise support, business plan development, capacity building, and financial aids (credit, subsidies, and interest subvention), the scheme fosters the entrepreneurial dynamism of women.

Funding and Disbursement

  • Project-Based Funding: NCDC provides financial assistance based on specific project needs. As of 31.03.2024, NCDC has disbursed a total of Rs. 6426.36 crore for the development of women-promoted cooperative societies across India.
  • Current Status: No proposals have been received from women cooperatives in Bihar under this scheme to date.

Ministerial Statement

This information was provided by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.


Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What is the primary focus of the Nandini Sahakar Scheme?
    • A) Youth Development
    • B) Women Cooperatives
    • C) Rural Infrastructure
    • D) Agricultural Enhancement
    Answer: B) Women Cooperatives
  2. What is the financial assistance limit for projects under the Nandini Sahakar Scheme?
    • A) Rs. 10,00,000
    • B) Rs. 50,00,000
    • C) No minimum or maximum limit
    • D) Rs. 1,00,00,000
    Answer: C) No minimum or maximum limit
  3. Which initiative does the Nandini Sahakar Scheme align with?
    • A) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    • B) Digital India
    • C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
    • D) Make in India
    Answer: C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
  4. As of 31.03.2024, how much has NCDC disbursed under the Nandini Sahakar Scheme?
    • A) Rs. 5000 crore
    • B) Rs. 6426.36 crore
    • C) Rs. 7000 crore
    • D) Rs. 8000 crore
    Answer: B) Rs. 6426.36 crore
  5. How many proposals from women cooperatives in Bihar have been received under the Nandini Sahakar Scheme so far?
    • A) 5
    • B) 10
    • C) 0
    • D) 20
    Answer: C) 0