Outlook Money
On International Women’s Day 2026, let's look at 10 central and state government-backed schemes that provide monetary assistance, savings options, and credit facilities to help women become more financially independent.
This central government savings scheme provides an 8.2 per cent interest rate if the account is opened in the name of a girl child under ten. It allows tax-free investment up to Rs 1.5 lakh every year.
This national initiative aims to raise the annual income of three crore Self-Help Group (SHG) members to at least Rs 1 lakh. It provides technical training, market linkages, and credit facilities to help women build sustainable micro-enterprises.
Women between 21 and 65 will receive a monthly benefit of Rs 1,500 under this scheme, backed by the Maharashtra government. This scheme uses the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) facility to provide assistance to women belonging to families with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh.
Women from Madhya Pradesh, between 21 and 65, married, widowed, or divorced, will receive Rs 1,500 every month directly into their bank accounts.
Under this flagship scheme of the Odisha government, the eligible women are provided with up to Rs 50,000 over a period of five years. The amount is released on an annual basis of Rs 10,000 to support the basic financial and economic stability of the women.
This scheme by the West Bengal government offers an annual scholarship of Rs 1,000 to girls who are studying and fall within the age group of 13 to 18 years. An additional amount of Rs 25,000 is provided to the girls once they reach 18, and if they remain unmarried and pursue education.
The Karnataka government offers a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 to the woman who is recognised as the head of the family. This scheme aims to increase the disposable income of women.
This scheme by the West Bengal government offers a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women belonging to the General category, and Rs 1,700 to women belonging to the SC and ST communities. This scheme targets the female heads of the family to support their basic consumption requirements.
This scheme by the central government offers bank loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore to women entrepreneurs. The loans are provided to establish new businesses in the manufacturing, services, and trading sectors.
This maternity benefit scheme offers a conditional cash incentive of Rs 5,000 to pregnant and lactating mothers for the birth of their first child.
Compiled by Priyanka Debnath