UP Mahila Samarthya Yojana — Women Skill Training

What is UP Mahila Samarthya Yojana?

Uttar Pradesh Mahila Samarthya Yojana is a state-level women's empowerment scheme that focuses on developing skill-based livelihood opportunities for women across UP, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. It works through Self Help Groups (SHGs), local cooperatives, and skill training centres to improve women's economic independence.

Key Benefits

Who is Eligible?

• Women aged 18 years and above in Uttar Pradesh
• Priority to women from rural and semi-urban areas
• Women from BPL families, SC/ST/OBC communities, and widows
• Women already in or willing to form SHGs

No income upper limit, but priority to economically weaker sections.

Training Areas Available

Women can access training in:

Textile and apparel:

• Tailoring and garment making
• Embroidery (chikankari, zardozi)
• Handloom and power loom

Beauty and wellness:

• Mehendi, hair care, skin care
• Beauty parlour certificate course

Food processing:

• Pickles, papad, spices, bakery
• Food safety and packaging

Electronics and light manufacturing:

• LED bulb assembly
• Mobile phone repair basics

Digital skills:

• Basic computer, internet, UPI payments
• E-commerce selling (Flipkart, Amazon)

Common Facility Centres (CFCs)

A key feature — government-funded Common Facility Centres are set up in blocks where women can:

• Use machinery and equipment (sewing machines, packaging equipment)
• Produce goods collectively and sell
• Receive training from skilled trainers

These are operated by women's SHG federations.

How to Apply / Join

Step 1 — Contact BDO Office

Visit your Block Development Office (BDO) and ask about Mahila Samarthya Yojana.

Step 2 — Join or Form an SHG

If not already in an SHG, the BDO will help form or join one (10-12 women per group).

Step 3 — Enrol in Training

Training enrolment is done at the Common Facility Centre or through the district Women Welfare Department.

Step 4 — Access Market Linkage

After training, SHG is connected to buyers, MSME units, or online selling platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am a homemaker in a UP town. Can I join Mahila Samarthya Yojana?

Yes. The scheme covers women in urban/semi-urban areas too, not only rural. Visit your block or tehsil office for the nearest SHG or CFC.

2. Do I need to be in an SHG to get skill training?

For most benefits (training, market linkage, CFC access), SHG membership is preferred. Individual training may be available in some districts — check with the Women Welfare Department.

3. Is the training free?

Training under Mahila Samarthya Yojana is free for women from BPL families. Others may have a nominal fee. Equipment subsidy is provided for SHGs.

4. I already do chikankari embroidery. Can this scheme help me sell more?

Yes. The scheme's market linkage component helps traditional craft women connect to bulk buyers, government exhibitions, and online platforms like Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

5. Which district has the most active Mahila Samarthya centres?

Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Meerut have active CFCs. Rural districts like Bahraich, Shravasti, and Balrampur also have active SHG federations.

Official Links