SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 31

Solution: The correct answer is (A) Stand-Up India.
Explanation:
☛ The Stand-Up India Scheme was launched on 5 April 2016 by the Government of India to promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
☛ Its primary objective is to facilitate bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch.
☛ The loan is provided for setting up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, agri-allied activities, or the trading sector.
☛ Under recent updates, the Government of India extended the implementation period of the Stand-Up India Scheme up to the year 2025.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Eligibility: Borrowers must be above 18 years of age, and for non-individual enterprises, at least 51% of the shareholding and controlling stake must be held by an SC/ST or woman entrepreneur.
☛ Margin Money: The scheme stipulates that the margin money requirement can be up to 15%, which can be provided in convergence with eligible Central or State schemes.
☛ PM-KUSUM: Launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to provide energy security to farmers and promote solar-powered agriculture pumps.
☛ Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): Provides collateral-free institutional credit up to ₹10 lakh (enhanced to ₹20 lakh in Union Budget 2024-25) under Shishu, Kishore, and Tarun categories.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ When was the Stand-Up India Scheme officially launched? → 5 April 2016
☛ What is the loan amount range provided under the Stand-Up India Scheme? → ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
☛ Which nodal ministry oversees the Stand-Up India Scheme? → Ministry of Finance
☛ What is the maximum loan limit under the 'Tarun' category of PM Mudra Yojana initially? → ₹10 lakh
☛ What minimum shareholding must a woman entrepreneur hold in a non-individual enterprise under Stand-Up India? → 51%