Coir is a natural fibre used to make products such as doormats, brushes, bedsheets, etc. Over the last two decades, the production of coir fibre has increased substantially. This industry provides large-scale employment to a large number of rural women. The Mahila Coir Yojana scheme was introduced to promote self-employment for rural women artisans.

What Is Mahila Coir Yojana?

The Mahila Coir Yojana was introduced by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. MCY is a welfare scheme that aims to provide self-employment opportunities to rural women artisans in the coir-producing regions.

The scheme aims for balanced regional development. The conversion of coir fibre into yarn at motorised rates in rural households provides scope for large-scale employment, improvement in productivity and quality, better working conditions, and higher income.

Objectives Of Mahila Coir Yojana

Here are some of the key objectives of the Mahila Coir Yojana.

• Train artisans to meet the skilled manpower requirement for the industry.

• Transfer technology to non-traditional areas by developing co-workers' skills.

• Providing a 75% subsidy for the procurement of machines.

• To improve the work environment.

• Encourage self-employment and entrepreneurs.

• Generate employment.

• Teach proper production methods amongst the coir workers.

States That Have Implemented MCY

The scheme is mainly in coir-producing coastal states, including

• Kerala

• Tamil Nadu

• Karnataka

• Andhra Pradesh

• Telangana

• Odisha

• Lakshadweep 

• Maharashtra

• Gujarat

• Goa

• Puducherry

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• West Bengal 

• North-Eastern region

Eligibility Criteria For Mahila Coir Yojana

Here are the criteria that must be followed to avail of the benefits of the Mahila Coir Yojana.

• Per household, only one artisan will be eligible to receive assistance under MCY.

• Women artisans need to have completed a training programme in spinning coir yarn through any of the training centres of the Coir Board.

Financial Assistance Provided Under MCY

As a one-time subsidy, the Coir Board will provide 75% of the cost of the motorised rate. The remaining 25% is provided through voluntary organisations, financial institutions, or other sources.

Under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), financial assistance for procuring machines and equipment is provided for setting up new coir units. The maximum cost that will be provided by the government for the project is Rs. 25 lakh. 

How To Apply For MCY?

• To download the application form, visit http://coirboard.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/mcy.pdf. 

• Submit the required documents mentioned. Voter ID submission is mandatory for everyone.

• Submit the application form.

• Wait for the documents and application form to be reviewed.

Conclusion

The Mahila Coir Yojana plays an important role in empowering rural women artisans. This scheme not only promotes self-employment but also increases productivity and product quality. It helps rural women artisans achieve a better livelihood for themselves. Additionally, the scheme also supports the overall growth of the coir industry. 

To register yourself to avail yourself of the benefits of the Mahila Coir Yojana, apply here.