The NITI Aayog has launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) Mizoram Chapter, marking the first WEP chapter in the northeastern region. This landmark initiative is designed to boost entrepreneurship among women and drive economic growth in Mizoram, in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Key Highlights
Regional First:
- Mizoram is the first state in the northeast to establish a WEP chapter, paving the way for similar initiatives across the region.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:
- The WEP Mizoram Chapter aims to serve as a key enabler for women’s empowerment and stimulate economic growth through targeted initiatives.
Inaugurated Initiatives:
- WEP State Chapter Mizoram: Establishes the local platform for women entrepreneurs.
- Yashasvani Program: In collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, designed to support entrepreneurial development.
- Swavalambini Program: In partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, focusing on skill enhancement.
- WEP Award to Reward Programme: Collaborating with New Shop to recognize and reward successful women entrepreneurs.
- WEP App (Beta Version Launch): A digital platform to connect and support women entrepreneurs.
- Awards to Women Entrepreneurs: Organized by Make My Trip to celebrate entrepreneurial achievements.
Complementary State Initiatives:
- Mizoram launched the ‘Handholding Scheme’ (Bana Kaih) in 2024, offering collateral-free, interest-free bank loans up to ₹50 lakh through partner banks.
- The scheme, which already supports 517 progress partners (with 27% women), demonstrates the state government’s commitment to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
- The state acts as a guarantor under national credit guarantee schemes to facilitate these loans.