Sreeram Viswanath
Published on: Sep 17, 2026
Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) is an initiative spearheaded by the Finance Minister during the budget speech of 2017-18. Designed to provide one-stop convergent support services, the scheme empowers women with opportunities for skill development, employment, digital literacy, health, and nutrition. This article delves into the various facets of the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme.
Mode of Operation
The scheme establishes an interface between rural women and the Government to facilitate women in availing their entitlements and empowering them through awareness generation, training, and capacity building. Student volunteers actively promote community service and gender safety initiatives.
The scheme operates on multiple levels. The national and state levels provide technical assistance to respective governments regarding women's issues, while district and block centers support the scheme and similar programs. Community engagement activities are conducted in 115 backward districts by student volunteers, tasked with creating awareness about government schemes and issues impacting women at the block level.
The services under this scheme are optimized by leveraging available resources through various government accords at district and block levels.
Objectives
Framed to empower rural women, the scheme offers the necessary momentum to establish small businesses. Moreover, it aims to raise awareness regarding women’s roles and government-launched schemes and programs.
Features
- The scheme serves as a one-stop convergence support service, empowering rural women with skill development, digital literacy, health, nutrition, and employment opportunities.
- It addresses the declining child sex ratio and ensures child protection through education and empowerment.
- The initiative provides an interface between rural women and the government to facilitate access to entitlements.
- The government targets the 115 most backward districts with 920 Mahila Shakti Kendra centers.
- A task force at various levels is established for effective planning and administration of the scheme.
- The scheme is a product of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- It remains operational until the end of 2020.
Coverage
The Mahila Shakti Kendra extends its reach through the State Resource Center for Women (SRCW) established in all states and union territories and the District Level Centre for Women (DLCW) across 640 districts in phases. The first two phases, during 2017-18 and 2018-19, focus on setting up DLCWs in 440 districts (220 in each phase), and the third phase in 2019-20 targets 200 new districts. The block-level initiative reaches out to 115 backward districts identified by NITY Aayog.
Ratio of Funding
The funding allocation is shared between Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio. For North-Eastern and Special Category States, the ratio is 90:10, with the Central Government significantly contributing. Union Territories are entirely funded by the Central Government.
To understand related initiatives and compliance schemes by the Government, refer to RERA Registration processes or explore insights related to online CA consultations. For business interested women, understanding legal structures through resources like Section 8 Company Registration could be beneficial.
Furthermore, women looking to advance digital skills may explore Digital Signature services, essential for digital literacy and empowerment.
For those interested in business scalability, information about Franchise opportunities can provide insights into entrepreneurship and investment.