Policy to Practice: A Critical Evaluation of Government Schemes and Support Mechanisms for Women Entrepreneurs in Select Indian States.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study critically evaluates the transition of central and state government schemes designed for women entrepreneurs from policy inception to practical implementation in two selected Indian states: Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Despite the proliferation of initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand Up India (SUI), and state-specific programs (e.g., MAVIM in Maharashtra and Vazhndhu Kattuvom Thozhil Mayyam in Tamil Nadu), the female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) and the percentage of women-owned enterprises remain low. Using a mixed-methods approach grounded in secondary data analysis and field-level implementation reports, this research maps the policy landscape, assesses access to financial (credit) and non-financial (training, marketing) support, and identifies implementation bottlenecks. Findings reveal a significant disparity between policy intent and ground reality, attributed to systemic challenges such as low financial literacy, complex documentation, cultural biases at the institutional level, and a severe lack of non-financial handholding support post-loan disbursement. The study concludes that achieving equitable and sustainable women entrepreneurship requires moving beyond quantitative credit disbursement targets to adopting a holistic ecosystem approach focused on localized, demand-driven training, effective digital inclusion, and robust institutional accountability.
Authors: Geevarathana, K Gayathri
Institution: Bangalore University
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7117250837
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: