95 projects sanctioned and Rs.1173.75 lakhs released under the STEP scheme during 2015-16

95 projects sanctioned and Rs.1173.75 lakhs released under the STEP scheme during 2015-16

The Ministry has been administering Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) Scheme to provide skills that give employability to women and to provide competencies and skill that enable women to become self-employed/ entrepreneurs. The Scheme is intended to benefit women who are in the age group of 16 years and above. Assistance under the STEP scheme will be available in any sector for imparting skills related to employability and entrepreneurship, including but not limited to the following: Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Handlooms, Tailoring, Stitching, Embroidery, Zari etc Handicrafts, Computer & IT enabled services, Gems & Jewellery, Travel & Tourism, and Hospitality.

Ministry of Women & Child Development sanctioned 132 projects in last three years under the STEP Scheme. This includes sanction of 14 projects during 2013-14, 23 projects during 2014-15 and 95 projects during 2015-16. A total of Rs.2615.82 lakhs has been released in last three years including Rs.701.85 Lakhs during 2013-14, Rs.740.22 lakhs during 2014-15 and Rs.1173.75 lakhs during 2015-16 under the STEP Scheme.

The guidelines of the scheme are revised regularly to expand the reach of the programme and strengthen the scheme. Guidelines were last revised in December 2014.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.