Over 4,500 Women Benefited From Udyam Sakhi; Women Form 39% Of Udyam Registrations: Shobha Karandlaje

New Delhi, Dec 11 (KNN) Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Shobha Karandlaje provided an update on the implementation of programmes supporting women entrepreneurs under the ‘Udyam Sakhi’ initiative, along with broader efforts to strengthen women-led enterprise development across the country.

Status of the Udyam Sakhi Initiative

According to the Minister, the Udyam Sakhi portal—launched in 2018 to disseminate information on financial schemes, policies and MSME support programmes—has registered and benefited 4,535 women entrepreneurs nationwide. 

The Ministry highlighted its sustained efforts, in coordination with State governments, MSME associations and field offices, to promote digital registration among women entrepreneurs. As a result, women currently account for about 39 per cent of all enterprises registered on the Udyam and Udyam Assist platforms.

Women Entrepreneurs in Haryana and Sonipat

In Haryana, a total of 5,11,608 women-owned MSMEs have registered on the Udyam portals, including those located in the Sonipat Lok Sabha Constituency. 

However, the Ministry did not provide separate data on training sessions or self-employment outcomes specific to Sonipat under the Udyam Sakhi initiative.

Challenges and Government Interventions

Addressing concerns that the initiative has not fully met expectations in rural areas due to digital gaps, limited financial literacy and weak market linkages, the Ministry pointed to several measures undertaken to strengthen women’s participation in the MSME ecosystem.

A key intervention is the Yashasvini Campaign, launched on 27 June 2024, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs by enhancing formalisation, access to credit, capacity building and mentorship through awareness programmes.

Under the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs, Central Ministries, Departments and PSUs are mandated to source at least 3 per cent of their annual procurement from women-led enterprises. 

During 2024–25, procurement worth Rs 6,105.71 crore was made from women-owned MSEs through the MSME Sambandh portal.

(KNN Bureau)