The Grameen Credit Score Scheme has been introduced by the Union Finance Minister in the 2025 budget to promote financial inclusion for Self-Help Group (SHG) women entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to support women in building and expanding their businesses by improving their access to formal credit systems.
Objective
- Address the challenges faced by SHG women in applying for and securing credit.
- Integrate SHGs with formal financial institutions, improving financial inclusion.
- Provide a structured system for assessing creditworthiness within India’s central credit system.
Key Features
- Formalization of SHG Transactions: Brings SHG activities into the formal credit system, allowing financial institutions to assess creditworthiness effectively.
- Customized Credit Cards: Specially designed credit cards for micro-enterprises with credit limits of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Financial Literacy: Educates rural women on key financial concepts such as:
- Credit cards
- Loan EMIs
- Loan repayment
- Creditworthiness assessment
Impact on Women-Led SHGs
- Increased credit availability will enable SHG women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
- Greater participation of SHG women in economic activities, contributing effectively to household income.
- A digital framework to bridge gaps in the existing credit bureau system, which often overlooks SHG members.
