Govt to launch Rs 2-cr term loan for 5 lakh first-time women, SC, ST entrepreneurs: FM

new delhi: the government will launch a rs 2-crore term loan for 5 lakh first-time women, sc and st entrepreneurs, finance minister nirmala sitharaman said on saturday. presenting the union budget for 2025-26, the finance minister also said a manufacturing mission will be set up for sme and large industries. besides, the government will undertake facilitation measures to enhance productivity of labour-intensive sectors, sitharaman said. the credit guarantee cover will be doubled to rs 20 crore, guarantee fee moderated to 1 per cent, she added. she also said a national institute of food technology, entrepreneurship and management will be established in bihar.