Context:
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel launched the ‘NARI’ Scheme (Nurturing AI Revolution for Inclusion – Women in Tech) on November 18, 2025 at the Unnao campus of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh.
- The scheme was launched during the event named as “SynHERgy: AI-Driven Innovation for Women Empowerment” organized by Chandigarh University to advanced women’s empowerment in the state.
About ‘NARI’ Scheme
- Developed byChandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh.
- Objective: It focuses on AI skilling, startup incubation, health and wellness, and women leadership development for women across UP.
- Target: For the next three years, the initiative aims to train 1,500 women in technology skills, support 150 women led startups, and provide health screenings for 2,000 women.
- Budget Allocation: An annual budget of Rs 2.20 crore has been allocated for the initiative.
- Significance: The programme will directly support 600–800 women annually and help pave a new path for women’s leadership in the technology sector.
- This scheme is a decisive step in strengthening a women-led technology ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, aligned with Mission Shakti and the state’s Startup Policy.
Other Initiatives launched at the Event
- CUBE (Centre for Universal Business and Entrepreneurship) Initiative: It was launched by Chandigarh University to help young entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh transform their ideas into scalable startups.
- The centre aims to provide a comprehensive platform for capital mobilization and startup incubation.
- CUBE Track: It is a 200-hour Women Founder Programme which is designed to emphasize on crucial aspects like business design, go-to-market strategy, and compliance.
- Target: Through this, more than 50 women-led startups will be incubated every year.
- Financial Incentives: Seed support ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per startup will be offered under the seed support pool, ensuring annual funding support for over 30 women-led ventures.
- Mentorship Support: Startups will receive support through angel and Venture Capital connections, peer mentoring circles, and market access, to ensure a minimum two-year survival rate for at least 40% of the startup.
- Collaborative Approach: It has also been integrated with other schemes such as Mudra, Stand-Up India, and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), providing young and women entrepreneurs with easier access to capital, faster disbursement, and greater opportunities for growth.
- HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention: As part of the programme’s focus on women’s health, the Governor also inaugurated a HPV Vaccination Drive at the university to promote cervical cancer prevention.
Daily MCQ for Practise
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘NARI’ Scheme (Nurturing AI Revolution for Inclusion – Women in Tech) launched in Uttar Pradesh:
- It was launched at the Unnao campus of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh.
- The scheme focuses exclusively on providing financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A