Uttarakhand’s ambitious Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana, offering up to ₹2 lakh in financial aid with 75% subsidy, has seen an unexpectedly low response. Despite being launched with much fanfare, only 23 applications have been received since June 18, that too solely from Dehradun, Pauri, and Nainital districts. No applications have been submitted from the remaining districts.
Targeting 2,000 women beneficiaries this financial year, the Department of Women Empowerment and Child Welfare is now set to launch a door-to-door awareness campaign. Director Ranjana Rajguru has instructed Anganwadi workers and Mission Shakti personnel to personally visit eligible single women to explain the scheme and encourage applications.
Each large district is now expected to generate at least 150 applications, while smaller districts are to target 100. Officials believe that the ongoing panchayat elections and the Model Code of Conduct have contributed to the sluggish response.
Under the scheme, women can begin a business with just ₹25,000; the remaining ₹1.75 lakh will be covered by the government as a grant. Eligible beneficiaries must be women of Uttarakhand origin, aged between 21 and 50 years, and with an annual family income of no more than ₹72,000.
Minister Rekha Arya had initially set a goal of supporting 2,000 women this year, with plans to expand in future phases. However, the current lukewarm response has pushed the department to take a more direct outreach approach.
