Free Sewing Machine Scheme 2025–26 for Maratha Community Women in Karnataka
A New Step Towards Women’s Self-Reliance – Apply Now for the State Government’s Empowerment Initiative
The Karnataka Maratha Community Development Corporation has launched a new welfare program for the year 2025–26 – the Free Sewing Machine Distribution Scheme.
This initiative aims to promote economic independence and skill development among women belonging to the Maratha community across Karnataka.
Through this scheme, the state government provides free sewing machines and professional tailoring training to eligible women, helping them start their own small businesses and generate sustainable income for their families.
🎯 Objective and Significance of the Scheme
The Maratha Community Development Corporation (KMCDC) has been implementing several welfare and livelihood schemes every year to uplift the social and economic conditions of the Maratha community.
Among them, the Free Sewing Machine Distribution Scheme is one of the most impactful and popular initiatives.
Key objectives of the scheme:
- To empower women economically and socially
- To promote tailoring and self-employment skills
- To create income sources for families
- To strengthen rural economy and entrepreneurship
- To support the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India)
According to the Corporation, thousands of women have already benefited from this initiative, and the 2025–26 cycle is set to expand the reach of the scheme across more districts in the state.
👩🔧 Facilities Provided Under the Scheme
The beneficiaries of this program not only receive free sewing machines but also get access to skill training and entrepreneurship guidance to help them begin their professional journey confidently.
Facilities covered under this scheme:
- Distribution of free sewing machines to eligible women
- 3–6 months tailoring training (covering pattern cutting, dress designing, stitching, etc.)
- Business and marketing guidance for selling products
- Financial and banking support for starting home-based businesses
- Entrepreneurship workshops for skill improvement and self-employment
Through these combined efforts, the government aims to transform women into independent, skilled entrepreneurs capable of sustaining their families and contributing to society.
🧵 Eligibility Criteria
This scheme is exclusively designed for women belonging to the Maratha community who meet specific eligibility conditions set by the Corporation.
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Community | Applicant must belong to the Maratha community |
| Domicile | Must be a resident of Karnataka for at least 15 years |
| Age Limit | Women between 18 and 45 years are eligible |
| Income Limit | Annual family income should be below ₹2.5 lakh |
| Skill Requirement | Basic knowledge of tailoring or stitching preferred |
| Priority | BPL (Below Poverty Line) families and economically weaker sections |
| Other Conditions | Should not have availed any similar government aid earlier |
💻 How to Apply – Application Process
The application process for this scheme is completely digital, allowing candidates to easily apply online from home.
✅ Steps to Apply Online:
- Visit the official website 👉 www.kmcdc.karnataka.gov.in or
Seva Sindhu Portal. - Select “Free Sewing Machine Scheme 2025–26” from the list of available schemes.
- Fill out the application form carefully with all personal and income details.
- Upload required documents such as Aadhaar Card, Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, Bank Details, and Photo.
- Submit the application and note down the Acknowledgement/Reference Number for future tracking.
🏢 Offline Application Option:
- Visit the nearest Maratha Community Development Corporation office or your local Gram Panchayat.
- Collect the form, fill it with details, attach necessary documents, and submit before the deadline.
📅 Last Date to Apply: September 30, 2025 (may vary district-wise).
📑 Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents during the online or offline application process:
- Aadhaar Card copy
- Caste Certificate (Maratha community proof)
- Income Certificate (signed by Tahsildar)
- Bank Passbook (first page copy)
- Ration Card / BPL Card
- Recent Passport-size Photograph
- Tailoring Skill Certificate (if available from Gram Panchayat or Labour Department)
⚙️ Selection Process
The selection process involves several stages to ensure transparency and fairness.
- Application Verification: Scrutiny of application forms and uploaded documents.
- Income & Community Verification: Evaluation of the applicant’s social and economic background.
- Lottery Selection (if required): If applications exceed available slots, a random lottery method is adopted.
- Training & Distribution: Selected women are trained and provided with the sewing machines.
🌺 Benefits and Social Impact
This scheme has created a significant social impact by promoting self-reliance and livelihood creation among rural and semi-urban women.
Major benefits include:
- Development of self-employment opportunities
- Financial stability for families
- Empowerment and social upliftment of women
- Encouragement to start small tailoring shops
- Contribution to rural entrepreneurship and skill-based economy
In the past few years, more than 10,000 women across Karnataka have benefited from this program. Many of them now run successful tailoring businesses and contribute actively to their local communities.
📢 Key Information Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Free Sewing Machine Distribution Scheme 2025–26 |
| Implementing Body | Karnataka Maratha Community Development Corporation |
| Target Group | Women from the Maratha community |
| Financial Assistance | Free sewing machine + tailoring training |
| Mode of Application | Online / Offline |
| Last Date to Apply | September 30, 2025 |
| Official Website | www.kmcdc.karnataka.gov.in |
🌸 Conclusion
The Free Sewing Machine Scheme 2025–26 by the Karnataka government is not just a welfare initiative — it’s a movement toward women’s empowerment and economic independence.
By combining training, tools, and opportunities, the scheme provides a foundation for thousands of women to become self-reliant and confident entrepreneurs.
Eligible women from the Maratha community are encouraged to apply before the September 30, 2025 deadline and make the most of this life-changing opportunity.
For more details, visit the official website of the Karnataka Maratha Community Development Corporation or contact your nearest office.


