SHIMLA -3 Feb, 2026-Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil today here presided over the 52nd Board of Directors meeting (BoD) of the Women Development Corporation. During the meeting a detailed review of various departmental schemes and programmes being implemented by the Corporation was conducted and several important decisions related to women empowerment were taken.

The meeting also deliberated in detail on the initiatives being undertaken by the State Government for the social and economic upliftment of women.

With the objective of promoting women self-employment, an important decision was taken to enhance the self-employment loan limit from Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh, enabling more women to benefit from the scheme and become self-reliant.

In another significant decision aimed at encouraging education among girls, the Board decided to enhance the loan amount provided to girl students for higher studies from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 3 lakh. This loan would be completely interest-free, providing crucial support to girls from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education.

Review of Welfare, Skill Development and Awareness Programmes

In addition, the meeting reviewed other departmental activities including women welfare, skill development, employment generation, training and awareness programmes. The Board emphasized ensuring that the benefits of all schemes reach eligible women in a transparent and time-bound manner.

The Minister said that the Women Development Corporation continues to work consistently towards the overall development, empowerment and self-reliance of women, and will further strengthen efforts through more effective schemes in the future.

Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment, Shyam Bhagat Negi, Managing Director, Women Development Corporation, Ajay Kumar Yadav along with other members of the Board of Directors were present in the meeting.