Mahila Shakti Kendra — Women Skill & Empowerment

What is Mahila Shakti Kendra?

Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) is a Government of India scheme under the Ministry of Women and Child Development that provides a one-stop convergence point for rural women to access government services, skill training, digital literacy, legal awareness, and health information — all at block and district level.

Launched in 2017, MSK operates in 115 aspirational/backward districts at district level and in select blocks of 640 districts.

What Services Are Available at MSK?

Who Can Use MSK?

Any woman in rural areas, especially:

• Women aged 18+ who want skill training
• Adolescent girls (15-18) for awareness programmes
• Women from marginalized communities (SC/ST/OBC/minorities)
• Women in distress needing legal or welfare support

No income criteria. No registration fees.

How MSK Operates

Three levels of operation:

District level (District Mahila Shakti Kendra):

• Located in 115 aspirational districts
• Programme coordinator + community college interface
• Links to District Women's Helpline (181)

Block level (Block Mahila Shakti Kendra):

• Located in 640 districts across India
• Student volunteers (college interns) facilitate awareness campaigns
• Organise Gram Sabhas for women's issues

Village level:

• ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, and community volunteers
• Reach women who cannot travel to block/district

College Student Volunteers (Interns)

A unique feature: college students (especially women undergraduates) serve as MSK volunteers:

• Placed in villages for internship credit
• Conduct door-to-door awareness on schemes
• Facilitate enrolment in PMJDY, insurance schemes, Beti Bachao
• Help women use mobile banking and online portals

Skill Training at MSK

MSK offers short-duration vocational training in:

• Tailoring and embroidery
• Beauty and wellness
• Food processing (pickles, papad, spices)
• Computer data entry
• Handicrafts (bamboo, jute, block printing)
• Mobile repair (in some centres)

Training is usually free or subsidized for women from BPL families.

How to Access MSK Services

1. Visit your nearest Block Development Office (BDO) and ask for the Mahila Shakti Kendra
2. Or contact the District Women and Child Development Officer (DWCDO)
3. The centre connects you to training, legal aid, and scheme enrollment

No formal application is required to walk in and access services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I live in a village. How do I reach the Mahila Shakti Kendra?

MSK operates through outreach — student volunteers and ASHA/anganwadi workers visit villages. You can also visit the Block Development Office in your taluka/block and ask for the MSK coordinator.

2. Is MSK only for women below poverty line?

No. MSK is open to all women in rural areas. Priority is given to marginalized communities, but any woman can participate in awareness programmes and training.

3. What skill training certificate do I get from MSK?

Certificates from MSK skill training are usually from National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) or state skill mission, depending on the training partner. These are recognized for employment and entrepreneurship.

4. Can MSK help me file a complaint about domestic violence?

Yes. MSK staff can guide you to the District Women's Helpline (Dial 181) and One Stop Centre (Sakhi Centre) for legal, police, and shelter support.

5. Is MSK available in urban areas?

MSK primarily covers rural areas. Urban women can access similar services through One Stop Centres (OSC) / Sakhi Centres and the Women Helpline (181).

Related Schemes for Women

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao — girl child education and safety
• PM Ujjwala Yojana — free LPG connection
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana — girl child savings
• One Stop Centre (Sakhi) — violence support

Official Links