Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Announces 10 Crore Collateral Free Loans For Women Startups

In a significant move to empower women entrepreneurs in the national capital, the Rekha Gupta government in Delhi has announced a major financial support scheme. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated on Sunday that the Delhi government will provide collateral-free loans of up to 10 crore rupees to women-led startups and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This initiative is designed to provide a substantial boost to the 'Vocal for Local', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', and 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) campaigns, ensuring that women have the necessary capital to scale their businesses without the burden of providing security for loans.

Government to Act as Guarantor for Women Entrepreneurs

Addressing the concerns of financial accessibility, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the Delhi government itself will stand as the guarantor for these loans. This means that women entrepreneurs and SHGs won't need to provide any personal or third-party guarantee to avail of the credit facility up to 10 crore rupees. The Chief Minister highlighted that this step is aimed at making the women of the capital self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and economically empowered. By removing the barrier of collateral, the government intends to foster a culture of innovation and business ownership among women across the city.

Market Access and Special Platforms in Malls

Beyond financial assistance, the Delhi government is also focusing on providing market access to indigenous products created by women. CM Rekha Gupta announced that special platforms and spaces will be made available in the city's prominent malls and large shopping complexes. This initiative is intended to bring products made by local women and SHGs to a wider audience and a larger market, while by providing space in high-footfall areas like shopping malls, the government aims to bridge the gap between small-scale women producers and urban consumers, ensuring that local craftsmanship receives the recognition and price it deserves.

Mega SHG Mela 2026 Highlights Local Craftsmanship

The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the two-day 'Mega Self-Help Group (SHG) Mela-2026' held in Rohini on Saturday. While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been consistently promoting the concepts of 'Vocal for Local', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', and 'One District, One Product'. She stated that the SHG Mela is a dedicated effort to encourage indigenous products prepared by women and connect them with a broader market. The event served as a showcase for the talent and hard work of women entrepreneurs from various parts of the capital.

Participation and Product Showcase

The Mega SHG Mela-2026 saw the active participation of approximately 24 Self-Help Groups. These groups displayed a wide array of products, ranging from traditional handicrafts and intricate crochet work to khadi garments and various household products. Also, food items and other handmade goods were also part of the exhibition and sale, while the Chief Minister praised the diversity of the products and reiterated that such fairs are essential for providing a platform to women who are working at the grassroots level to create high-quality indigenous goods. The government's comprehensive approach, combining financial credit with market visibility, is expected to transform the landscape for women-led enterprises in Delhi.