New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the Stand-Up India Scheme for another five years to help women, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs start new businesses.

The scheme has been extended till March 31, 2031, with a credit guarantee corpus of Rs 4,111 crore and aims to provide financial assistance to at least 2.5 lakh additional entrepreneurs over the next five years.

Announcing the decision during the Cabinet briefing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "The programme was designed to help SC, ST and women entrepreneurs start their own businesses. It has been very successful, which is why its continuation for another five years was approved today."

Under the scheme...