This Scheme is in operation through Mahila Vikas Samabaya Nigam on the Nodal Agency since 1997-98. The objectives of the scheme are to provide assistance to projects sponsored by Public undertakings/ Corporations, Women’s Development Centre of Universities & Autonomous Organisations/ Voluntary Organisations for setting up of employment and income generating training-cum employment-cum-production units for women and identification of ancillaries required by these enterprises.

The target group under the scheme shall be poor needy women in urban slums and rural areas within the age group of 18-50 years from Weaker Sections such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and SHGs. Preference should be given to women who are sole earners and heads of households, handicapped or deserted.

The Scheme emphasizes on income generating activities with the aim of achieving self reliance requiring substantial financial input to be sustainable on long term basis. It also makes provision of training for skill upgradation, marketing and ensures sustained employment after the training including tie-ups.

The Department of women and Child Development, Govt. of India provide financial assistance through Mahila Vikas Samabaya Nigam which is normally confined to Rs.8000/- per capita.

This Scheme is being monitored by the State Level Facilitating Committee and State Level Empowered Committee. The NGOs must be registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 at least for last 03 years prior to submission of application under the scheme through the DSWOs of the concerned project area who should place the same in the District Level Empowered Committee for scrutiny and recommendation.

On receipt of proposals from DSWOs, the Scrutiny Committee at the level of MVSN, scrutinizes the same for placing in the State Level Empowered Committee. The projects recommended by the SLEC are sent to Govt. of India for consideration and sanction of GIA which is released in two instalments i.e 1st installment consisting of non-recurring & 50% of recurring cost and 2nd installment of remaining 50% of recurring cost.

As on 31.3.06 a total of 187 proposals have been sanctioned for 9350 beneficiaries with an amount of Rs.44,857,578/- out of which an amount of Rs.4,16,18,772/- has been released by Govt. of India and Rs.4,02,42,264/- has been released by MVSN.

It is pertinent to mention herewith that Govt. of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of W&CD, New Delhi have decided to transfer the Central Sector Swawalamban (NORAD) scheme to the States w.e.f. 2006 and no further funds will be placed thereafter. The policy decision is to be taken at Government Level for continuance of the above scheme w.e.f. 1.4.2006.