I'm a woman living in a small village in Madhya Pradesh. My husband works hard, but raising our family is a constant struggle. I dream of becoming more self-reliant and contributing to our household, but I don't know where to start. I heard about the government's schemes for women in the recent budget, but there's so much information, it's hard to understand what might be helpful for someone like me.
Are there any good schemes for someone with no business experience? Are there any training programs available to help me learn new skills? Also, I read about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana being expanded – would that cover me and my family for medical care?
– Amrita (MP)
Dear Amrita,
Your desire to be self-reliant and contribute to your family is truly inspiring! The government's recent budget announcements (Interim Budget 2024) hold some promising opportunities for women like you in Rajasthan. Let's break them down:
Ayushman Bharat Yojana
- This expansion is fantastic news! Asha workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers, including you, Amrita, are now eligible for cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh under this scheme.
- This ensures your family's well-being and financial security in case of medical emergencies.
Immunization Campaign
- The government is launching an immunization campaign to prioritize the health of mothers and children.
- A vaccination drive aimed at preventing cervical cancer will be implemented.
- The initiative targets girls aged 9 to 14 for vaccination.
Lakhpati Didi Yojana
- Initially, the government aimed to empower 2 crore women in rural areas to become millionaires through this scheme. However, in the latest budget, the Finance Minister has raised the target from 2 crores to 3 crores.
- This scheme will empower rural women by enabling them to earn at least ₹1 lakh annually. That's great news!
- While business experience is beneficial, it's not mandatory. The scheme offers training programs in various skills like plumbing, LED bulb making, and drone repair, equipping you to start your own venture.
- Remember, this scheme prioritizes rural areas, so double-check its availability in your specific village.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- Explore the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which has seen 70% of rural houses allotted to women. This could be a great opportunity for homeownership.
Mudra Yojana
- If you're interested in entrepreneurship, the Mudra Yojana has provided crores of loans to women entrepreneurs. Consider this option after acquiring relevant skills through Lakhpati Didi training.
- The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that within the last decade, the Mudra Yojana has disbursed loans totaling Rs 30 crore to women entrepreneurs.
Remember, Amrita, the key is to take the first step. Empowering yourself empowers your family and community. Go forth and conquer, Amrita!
