Establishment and Operation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Laboratories 2026
This scheme supports new small-scale industries and service activities run by women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance Read More... in the form of Term Loans and Seed Capital for projects up to ₹10,00,000/-. Read less
Details
Are you a woman looking to start your own small business or a service unit in Puducherry? The Mahila Udyam Nidhi (MUN) scheme, launched by the Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation Limited (PIPDIC), is designed just for you. It aims to bridge the financial gap, helping you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
What Is This Scheme?
The Mahila Udyam Nidhi (MUN) scheme is a financial support program from PIPDIC, Puducherry. It helps women entrepreneurs by providing loans and seed capital for new small-scale industrial units or service activities. This scheme is structured to support projects with a total cost of up to ₹10,00,000/-, making it easier for women to set up their businesses.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is specifically for women who want to establish a new venture. This includes starting a new Small Scale Industrial (SSI) unit or launching a new service-based activity. If you are a woman entrepreneur with a project in mind costing up to ₹10,00,000/-, this scheme could be your stepping stone.
Why This Scheme Is Important
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, the MUN scheme provides crucial financial backing. It ensures that women have access to the necessary funds, like Term Loans and Seed Capital, to start and grow their businesses. By offering financial incentives like concessional interest rates and reduced fees, PIPDIC encourages women's participation in the industrial and service sectors of Puducherry, fostering economic independence and growth.
Objective
Benefits
Under this, 41 STEM laboratories have been established across the state to strengthen practical science education for secondary and higher secondary level students and to provide hands-on learning activities for students of classes 6 to 12, enabling them to conduct science-related experiments in these labs.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a woman entrepreneur.
- You must be establishing a new Small Scale Industrial (SSI) unit.
- You must be starting a new service activity.
- Your proposed project should have a maximum cost of up to ₹10,00,000/-.
Additionally, eligible women entrepreneurs will receive a concessional interest rate that is 0.5% less than the normal rate, and a 50% concession on the investigation fee. The collateral security requirement for immovable property is also relaxed, fixed at 50% of the loan amount.
How To Apply
Applications for the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme are accepted online. You will need to submit all the required documents along with your application.
For detailed information and to apply, please visit the official website or contact the department.
Official Department: Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation Limited (PIPDIC), Department of Industries & Commerce, Puducherry.
Documents Required
For Loans Up To ₹10,00,000/- (At The Time Of Application)
- Copy of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Registration Certificate from the Industries Department.
- Copy of the Lease Deed for the work premises, on ₹10.00 stamp paper (if applicable).
- Copy of the Sale Deed for the work premises (if the premises are owned by you).
- Original quotations from the selected supplier for all proposed machinery and equipment, including detailed specifications and catalogues.
- Two comparative quotations from standard suppliers for all proposed machinery and equipment (originals to be produced).
- Client list with full postal addresses of the selected machinery supplier.
- Proof of sale price for your end product and quotations for the main raw materials you will use.
- Tie-up letters for marketing your product.
- Copy of Partnership Deed and Acknowledgement of Registrar of Firms (if it's a partnership concern).
- Copies of your PAN Card, Voter Identity Card, Ration Card, Aadhaar Card, and Bank Pass Book.
- A Profitability Statement detailing monthly sales/income and expenditure.
- A Consent Letter to offer collateral security to the extent required by PIPDIC.
- The Investigation Fee: 0.50% of the loan amount applied for, plus applicable Service Tax. (Women entrepreneurs pay 50% of this fee).
During Processing Or After Loan Sanction
- Copies of applicable licenses, including Inspector of Factories approval, Municipal/Panchayat permission, and Pollution Clearance, etc.
- For collateral security property: Original Title Deed, Antecedent Title Deeds, Encumbrance Certificate for 30 years, Valuation Certificate from PIPDIC's approved panel valuer, Field Measurement Book copy, Patta copy, and Legal Opinion Report.
FAQ’s
What's the maximum project cost this scheme supports for women entrepreneurs?
The scheme covers projects with a total cost up to ₹10,00,000/-.
How much of the project cost does the Term Loan component cover?
The Term Loan component is designed to cover 65% of your project's total cost.
What is the repayment period for the Seed Capital?
The Seed Capital component needs to be repaid over a period of 10 years.
What is the minimum promoter's contribution required for a project under this scheme?
You need to contribute 10% of the total project cost as your Promoter's contribution.
Are there any special interest rate benefits for women entrepreneurs?
Yes, women entrepreneurs get a concessional interest rate that is 0.5% lower than the normal interest rate charged for loans.
What is the concession offered on the investigation fee for women applicants?
Women entrepreneurs receive a 50% concession on the investigation fee.
How is the Debt-Equity Ratio (D.E.R) for projects financed under this scheme determined?
The mandated Debt-Equity Ratio (D.E.R) for projects under this scheme is 1.857:1.
What is the repayment duration for the Term Loan, and does it include a moratorium?
The Term Loan repayment period is between 6 to 8 years, which includes a moratorium period of 1 to 2 years.
Does the scheme require any collateral security from women entrepreneurs?
Yes, you need to offer immovable property as collateral security. For women entrepreneurs, the value of this property is fixed at 50% of the loan amount.
Which types of businesses are eligible for funding under this scheme?
The scheme is for women entrepreneurs setting up new Small Scale Industrial units or new service activities.
What portion of the project cost is covered by the Seed Capital component?
The Seed Capital component covers 25% of the total project cost.
How can I apply for the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme?
Applications for this scheme are accepted online. You will need to submit all the necessary documents.
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