Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme

The Union Minister has launched a scheme for Self Help Groups (SHGs) for the women in Maharashtra called Hirkani Maharashtrachi. This is a state-wise district business plan competition for women, where they can present their business ideas and win prices from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. The article takes a closer look at the aspects of Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme.

Pbjective of the Scheme

The primary purpose of the scheme is to empower women and to provide earning opportunities through SHGs.The project is designed to advance entrepreneurship at the district level and to provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs.

Mission of Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme

The purpose of the Government is to promote entrepreneurship at the necessary levels. This increases the involvement of women and provides them with equal opportunities.

Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme

Hirkani Maharashtrachi scheme was launched with a motive to provide a platform for women SHGs and a competition to boost the entrepreneurship at the district level in the State of Maharashtra. The said scheme will be monitored by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) that comes under the State Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the assistance from the concerned districts in order to reach out to a larger mass. Women SHGs can establish their business ideas at the taluka level by using this scheme.

Implementation of Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme

Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS) under the Department of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship. The scheme will be funded by the Central Government, where the winner gets a chance to interact with the President, the Prime Minister and the Vice-President.

Hirkani Maharashtrachi Stages

The stages involved in Hirkani Maharashtrachi consists of two phases. They are

Phase I

In this Phase, Self Help Groups women have to present their business ideas at the taluka level. Once it is given, ten SHGs will be selected at the taluka level. Moreover, the SHGs will be awarded Rs. 5,000 to implement their business ideas.

Phase II

In the phase II level, the top ten winners of the taluk level can present their ideas at the district level. The winners at the district level will be awarded cash prizes of Rs. 2 lakh to implement their business ideas. The top five winners will be given work order of Rs. 5 lakh each by the Government.

Features of Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme

The highlights of Hirkani Maharashtrachi Scheme are as follows.

It is a platform for women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs.
The scheme enables women to come forward to resolve social issues and to grow their business, thereby becoming self-dependent.
A free platform is launched on GeM for artisans and women SHGs to sell their products.
Well deserving participants and their ideas will be then reported to the government to further enhance their designs and mentorship in transforming their ideas into real businesses.
Ten groups will be selected from each taluka of women's SHGs and Rs. 50,000 will be provided to each SHG.
Five groups will be selected at the district level and Rs. 3 lakh will be offered to each SHG.
The competitors at the district level will give ideas that have to be funded.
Five ideas will be selected from agriculture, education, social service and miscellaneous categories.
The District Collector/ District Planning Officer heads the executive committee for the competition.
The District Innovation Council arranges for pitching sessions and meeting with various investors to take the ideas/ services/ products that have to be launched for the betterment of the concerned districts.
Five individuals receive prize money worth Rs. 5 lakh to work on their proposals.
This scheme and competition shortlist the ideas, and such entrepreneurs will be given work order by the Government.
The winners of the District Business Plan Competition will be taken to Delhi and can have interaction with the Prime Minister, the President and the Vice President.
These members would be introduced on the World Economic Forum where SIDBI would also provide financial assistance. The United Nations and the World Bank can be platforms where they can present their ideas.