Objectives of the Scheme

The objectives of the STEP scheme are as given below:

• To provide training in skill development that provides employment to women.
• To enable women to become self-employed or entrepreneurs through quality training.
• The scheme seeks to provide these benefits to women who are aged 16 and above.

Eligibility Criteria for Institutions/Organisation

The eligibility criteria of institutions/organisations for implementing projects under this scheme are as follows:

• Any Institutions or Organisations registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (Not for Profit) or other statutes.
• Any Voluntary Organisations or Non-Government Organisations enrolled under the Societies Registration Act or Indian Trust Act, and which undergoes activities related to the objectives of the STEP scheme.
• Any co-operative Societies registered under the co-operative societies Act.

Selection of Project Implementing Agencies

• To start with, the concerned organization has to sign an application in the NGO-Partnership Portal of the NITI Aayog along with the self-declared details and obtain a Unique ID. The NGO should compulsorily specify the Unique ID at the time of applying for grants.
• The NGOs should update their database in the Portal every year.
• The organisation should have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years and must have carried out activities for implementing skills related to employment and entrepreneurship during the last 3 years. Also, the organisation should

Number of Beneficiaries

The number of beneficiaries in a project shall not be more than 200 members. Training will be implemented in batches with manageable proportions. The equipment/ small machines/ computers related to the industrial sectors are made available for quality training.

Funding Pattern

Under the STEP scheme, the maximum financial assistance of 90% of the project cost will be granted by the Government of India. The remaining 10% will have to be provided by the implementing agency.

Documents Required

The following documents are to be submitted while applying for the STEP scheme.

• Copies of audited statement of accounts (Balance sheet, Income & Expenditure Account and Receipt & Payment Account) of the preceding three years.
• Annual Report for three preceding years.
• Proof of experience in the sector concerned.
• Document in support of the statement that the course is compliant with the stipulations of the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
• Copy of Registration Certificate, if any.