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Delhi News: There is good news for women in Delhi who dream of starting their own businesses. The Delhi government has announced a new scheme aimed at empowering women financially. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has declared that startups and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) run by women in the capital will now be eligible for collateral-free loans of up to ₹10 crore, with the Delhi government itself acting as the guarantor for these loans.

The government believes that through small businesses and home-based industries, women are not only strengthening their families' financial stability but also making a significant contribution to the national economy. Consequently, financial assistance is crucial to help them grow and advance.

**Who Will Benefit?**
This scheme will benefit women who wish to launch their own startups or are already running small businesses. Additionally, women associated with Self-Help Groups will also be able to avail themselves of this facility.

This scheme could prove particularly beneficial for women working from home, such as those involved in handicrafts, tailoring, crochet work, Khadi products, household items, or food manufacturing.

**Why Are Collateral-Free Loans Significant?**
Typically, securing a large loan requires a bank guarantee or collateral in the form of assets. This requirement often prevents many women from starting their own businesses. However, under this Delhi government scheme, the government itself will serve as the guarantor. This will pave the way for women to access loans with ease. The government firmly believes that with the right financial support, women can transform into job-generating entrepreneurs.

**Access to a Larger Market for Products**
The government will not merely provide loans; it will also assist women in bringing their products to the market. To this end, special stalls and platforms will be allocated within Delhi's malls and major shopping complexes. This initiative will provide women running small businesses with opportunities to boost their sales and increase their earnings.

**Boosting 'Vocal for Local'**
The Chief Minister stated that this initiative has been undertaken to further the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's, campaigns of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India). The government asserts that handicrafts, Khadi, household goods, and handmade products manufactured in India are in no way inferior to any foreign brand in terms of quality. The only requirement is better marketing and branding to ensure these products reach a wider market.

In this context, this initiative by the Delhi government is being regarded as a significant step toward economically empowering women. By securing such substantial loans without the need for collateral, many women will be able to launch their own new ventures, while existing small businesses will also be able to expand. This is expected to generate new employment opportunities.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.