Women and first‑generation entrepreneurs power PMFME’s historic milestone

The PMFME scheme’s recent achievement—over 200,000 loan approvals—reflects a strong participation of women and first‑generation business owners. About 44% of the beneficiaries are women entrepreneurs, and nearly nine‑tenths of the cohort are launching their first venture.

Minister Chirag Paswan noted that this gender‑balanced involvement embodies the spirit of women‑led development and serves as a foundation for a progressive India.

He highlighted success stories from states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, where women‑run micro food enterprises have flourished, contributing to the broader goal of inclusive economic growth.

The Minister urged continued collaboration among central, state and local authorities to sustain the momentum and expand the scheme’s impact on livelihoods.