Delhi govt to provide up to ₹10 crore collateral-free loans to women startups, SHGs

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the Delhi government will offer collateral‑free loans of up to ₹10 crore to women‑led startups and self‑help groups in the capital.

It will also set up display spaces in malls and major shopping complexes throughout Delhi so that goods produced by women’s self‑help groups can access a broader audience.

Gupta stated, “We are expanding our efforts to make Delhi’s women self‑reliant, entrepreneurial, and economically empowered. Arrangements are in place to extend collateral‑free loans of up to ₹10 crore to women‑run self‑help groups and startups.”

She added that the Delhi government will serve as the guarantor for these loans to women‑led startups and SHGs.

While inaugurating the two‑day Mega Self‑Help Group (SHG) Mela‑2026 in Rohini on Saturday, Gupta noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continually champions the ideas of ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, and ‘One District, One Product’.

She said the SHG Mela aims to showcase women‑made indigenous products and link them to a larger market.

Approximately 24 self‑help groups took part in the fair, exhibiting and selling handicrafts, crochet work, khadi, household goods, food items, and other handmade items. Products from the North‑West Delhi district’s ‘One District, One Product’ programme were also featured.

Gupta observed that consumers frequently choose foreign brands even though Indian handicrafts, khadi, household goods, and handmade items match them in quality.

“All that is needed is improved branding and marketing of these products,” she said.

She urged the public to favor local and indigenous products over imported alternatives.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to save fuel, use public transport, and buy indigenous goods, Gupta said the Delhi government is also advancing initiatives like ‘Monday Metro’ and ‘No Vehicle Day’.

“If individuals make minor adjustments to their daily habits, the country will reap direct benefits,” she said.

Published on May 17, 2026