Impact and Constraints of Government Schemes on Micro Women Entrepreneurship - A Comparative Study of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh (2021-2025)

Micro women entrepreneurship plays a vital role in generating livelihoods, fostering economic inclusion, and empowering women socially and financially. In India, women-led micro-enterprises often emerge from grassroots initiatives such as self-help groups (SHGs), small family businesses, and informal sector activities like tailoring, food processing, handicrafts, and retail. Despite their contribution, women entrepreneurs face persistent barriers including limited access to credit, inadequate training, weak market linkages, and socio-cultural restrictions. To address these challenges, the Government of India and state governments have introduced several policy interventions in the last five years. Central schemes such as Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), Stand-Up India, PM SVANidhi, and Startup India have expanded opportunities by providing collateral-free loans, entrepreneurship development programs, and digital platforms. At the state level, Telangana?s WE Hub has pioneered women-focused incubation and mentoring, while Andhra Pradesh?s YSR Cheyutha and Sunna Vaddi schemes have offered financial support and capacity-building for rural women entrepreneurs. This study evaluates the impact of these initiatives on micro women entrepreneurship in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh between 2019 and 2024. It highlights how policy support has contributed to increased participation of women in business, improved access to finance, and enhanced entrepreneurial confidence, while also identifying gaps in implementation and sustainability. The findings underline the importance of strengthening skill development, digital literacy, and market linkages to ensure the long-term success of women-led micro-enterprises.