As the NDA Government completed nine years in office last month, Akashvani News brings a series of special stories on the initiatives taken by the government. Today, we take a look at the Stand Up India Scheme, which is an important milestone in promoting entrepreneurship among SC, ST and women. AIR correspondent reports that the scheme aims to empower every Indian and enable them to stand on their own feet.<br />”<br />”Stand Up India Scheme was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship at grassroot level focusing on economic empowerment and job creation. The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate loans between 10 lakh and one crore rupees to at least one Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks. Launching the scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that each bank branch of the country will provide loans in its coverage area to Dalit, tribal as well as woman.<br />”<br />”Under the Stand up India Scheme, more than 42 thousand crore rupees of loans has been sanctioned to over one lakh 87 thousand beneficiaries. Out of which, more than 80 per cent of loans have been provided to women. The scheme envisages to facilitate the dreams of aspiring SC, ST and women entrepreneurs to reality by supporting their energy and enthusiasm and removing many hurdles from their path.&nbsp;<br />