The Free Silai Machine Yojana is a government welfare scheme that provides free sewing machines to women from economically weaker sections. The scheme aims to support women's self-employment and livelihood by enabling them to earn income from tailoring and stitching work at home. This scheme is offered by several state governments and is also linked with the PM Vishwakarma scheme which provides training and tools to traditional artisans and craftspeople including tailors.
Women aged between 20 and 40 years from economically weaker sections are eligible. The annual household income should not exceed ₹12,000 (varies by state). Widows and differently-abled women are given priority. The applicant must be a permanent resident of the state where she is applying. She must not have received a free sewing machine from any other government scheme. Only one machine per family is allowed.