(a) the Centrally Sponsored Schemes for promoting women entrepreneurship in the country, State-wise;
(b) the allocation and percentage of funds in respect of each of such scheme during the last three years;
(c) whether any new scheme for promoting women entrepreneurship in the country was sponsored by the Government during the last three years; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES AND AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES
(SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a) to (d): The Government is not implementing any Centrally Sponsored Scheme for promoting women entrepreneurship. However, under the Central Sector Scheme of Prime Minister`s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) preference is being given to women entrepreneurs. A Scheme called Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD) for women was launched on a pilot basis in 1996-97 and is being continued during the 9th Plan to empower women through the development of their entrepreneurial skills by eliminating constraints faced by women and strengthening trade
support networks. This covers inter alia, assistance in the form of loan as well as grant, trade related training, trade information, guidance, counselling and follow-up and extension activities relating to product and market development. Under the Scheme of Entrepreneurship Development Institutes, the Central grant of Rs. 25.00 lakhs has so far been provided to the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Andhra Pradesh for setting up a Centre for Entrepreneurship Development where preference is to be gtiven to women (upto 50% of the total participants) for training. All the Entrepreneurship/Management Development Programmes being organised by the Small Industries Service Institutes (SISIs) are open to women. In addition, need based exclusive courses for women entrepreneurs are also being organised by SISIs.