Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday launched the second phase of the ‘Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarojgar Yojana’ at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office, Main Sevak Sadan, Dehradun. The initiative, launched by the Women Empowerment and Child Development Department, aims to promote self-employment and financial independence among single women across the state.
During the launch event, the Chief Minister transferred financial assistance of ₹2.76 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 488 women beneficiaries under different phases of the scheme.
₹2.76 Crore Financial Assistance Transferred to 488 Women Beneficiaries
Under the second phase of the scheme:
- 212 new women beneficiaries received the first instalment of financial assistance amounting to ₹1.55 crore.
- 276 beneficiaries from the first phase received the second instalment of ₹1.20 crore.
A total assistance amount of ₹2,76,16,875 was transferred to 488 women beneficiaries through DBT.
Earlier, during the first phase of the scheme launched on 10 February 2026, financial assistance of around ₹3.45 crore was provided to 484 women beneficiaries.
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Scheme Aims to Make Single Women Economically Self-Reliant
Addressing the programme, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the biggest strength of any society and nation is its women.
He said empowered women contribute not only to their families but also play a significant role in strengthening the state’s economy.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the objective of the Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarojgar Yojana is to provide economic independence and self-employment opportunities to:
- Single women.
- Destitute women.
- Widows.
- Abandoned women.
- Divorced women.
- Acid attack survivors.
- Women affected by criminal incidents.
- Transgender persons.
Women Can Receive Up to ₹2 Lakh Project Support Under Scheme
Under the scheme, eligible women can establish self-employment activities near their residence or in local areas.
Key features include:
- Project approval of up to ₹2 lakh.
- Up to 75% grant support provided by the Uttarakhand government.
- Support for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Focus on dignity, independence, and financial empowerment.
The Chief Minister said the aim of the scheme is not only to provide financial assistance but also to help women stand on their own feet with confidence and respect.
Government Working Towards Women Empowerment: CM Dhami
Chief Minister Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women’s empowerment has received a new direction through several initiatives.
He highlighted programmes and reforms including:
- Women’s reservation.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
- Ujjwala Yojana.
- Lakhpati Didi initiative.
- Ending the practice of triple talaq.
He said these steps have increased women’s participation in the country’s development process.
Uttarakhand Women Connected with Self-Employment Initiatives
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working to connect women with entrepreneurship through various schemes, including:
- Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission.
- Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana.
- Mukhyamantri Mahila Self Help Group Empowerment Scheme.
- Mukhyamantri Udyamshala Yojana.
The state government is providing incubation facilities to more than:
- 15,000 women entrepreneurs, self-help groups and Lakhpati Didis.
Through the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand, local products from Uttarakhand are being promoted in national and international markets.
Nearly 5 Lakh Women Associated with 70,000 Self Help Groups
Chief Minister Dhami informed that:
- Around 5 lakh women in Uttarakhand are currently connected with more than 70,000 self-help groups.
- Over 7,000 village organisations and more than 500 cluster organisations are strengthening women’s collective leadership.
- More than 2.65 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis, setting examples of financial independence.
The government is also developing strong systems for processing, packaging, branding, and marketing of products prepared by women entrepreneurs.
30% Horizontal Reservation for Women in Government Jobs
The Chief Minister also highlighted that Uttarakhand has provided 30% horizontal reservation for women in government services.
He said the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state is another historic step towards protecting women’s rights and ensuring equal justice.
He expressed confidence that the Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarojgar Yojana will create a new chapter of self-reliance, dignity, and economic empowerment in the lives of thousands of women.
Women Empowerment Department Highlights Impact of Scheme
Women Empowerment and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya said the scheme is creating new opportunities for single women by helping them become financially independent.
She said the government considers women not merely as beneficiaries of assistance but as equal partners in development.
The scheme provides support through:
- Financial assistance.
- Training.
- Entrepreneurship development.
- Marketing support.
- Local livelihood opportunities.
She encouraged beneficiary women to utilise the opportunity effectively and become inspiration for others.
Beneficiary Women Express Gratitude to State Government
Women beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ekal Mahila Swarojgar Yojana thanked the Uttarakhand government for strengthening opportunities for self-employment and economic independence.
The event was attended by:
- Chandresh Kumar, Secretary, Women Empowerment and Child Development Department.
- Banshilal Rana, Director.
- Senior officials of the department.
The initiative reflects Uttarakhand government’s focus on building an inclusive economy where women can achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship and self-employment.
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