Green Business Scheme
By Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Quick Answer
NSFDC loans for Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers and their dependents to start or expand green income-generating businesses, up to ₹27 lakh.
- Funding amount
- ₹90,000 – ₹27L
- Funding type
- Debt
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this loan
Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers and their dependents can get a loan from the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) for income-generating green businesses. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Supported activities include battery electric vehicles (E-rickshaws), compressed air vehicles, solar energy gadgets and poly houses.
The loan is need-based and covers up to 90% of the unit cost. For a unit cost up to ₹7.50 lakh, the loan is up to ₹6.75 lakh. For ₹7.50 lakh to ₹15.00 lakh, it is up to ₹13.50 lakh. For ₹15.00 lakh to ₹30.00 lakh, it is up to ₹27.00 lakh.
Interest is 4% to 7% per annum depending on the slab, with a 1% rebate for female beneficiaries. You repay within 10 years, including a 6-month moratorium. You put in 10% of the unit cost as promoter's contribution. Subsidies from other agencies and Special Central Assistance (SCA) can reduce the loan.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a Government of India ministry, with its office at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi. Its entrepreneurship loans are run through two corporations under the ministry, the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹90,000 – ₹27L
- Fund type
- Debt
- Repayment
- Repayable
What You Get
The scheme provides need-based loans from NSFDC, covering up to 90% of the unit cost. For unit costs up to ₹7.50 lakh, beneficiaries can receive up to ₹6.75 lakh. For unit costs between ₹7.50 lakh and ₹15.00 lakh, the maximum loan is ₹13.50 lakh. For unit costs between ₹15.00 lakh and ₹30.00 lakh, the maximum loan can go up to ₹27.00 lakh. Interest rates for beneficiaries range from 4% to 7% per annum, depending on the loan slab. A 1% rebate is available for female beneficiaries. The loan has a maximum repayment period of 10 years, which includes a moratorium period of 6 months. A promoter's contribution of 10% of the unit cost is required. The scheme also considers subsidies provided by other government agencies and Special Central Assistance (SCA) to reduce the loan quantum.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications received through both offline and online channels are rigorously evaluated. The District Offices of State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and Nationalized Banks conduct initial scrutiny of the loan applications. Following this, they appraise the viability of the project proposals to ensure they align with the scheme's objectives and are economically sound. Only viable projects, along with their recommendations, are then forwarded to the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) for final approval and sanction of the loan.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Submit the loan application form either offline at District Offices of SCAs/RRBs/Nationalized Banks, or online through the NSKFDC website.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Green Business Scheme?
Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers, and their Dependents are eligible to apply for financial assistance under this scheme.
What kind of activities are covered under this scheme?
The scheme covers income-generating activities that mitigate the Green House effect or are classified under adaptation initiatives. Indicative schemes include Battery Electric Vehicles (E-rickshaws), Compressed Air Vehicles, Solar Energy Gadgets, and Poly Houses.
What is the maximum loan amount available?
Beneficiaries can avail loans up to ₹27.00 lakh, depending on the unit cost of their project. For unit costs up to ₹7.50 lakh, the maximum loan is ₹6.75 lakh; for unit costs between ₹7.50 lakh and ₹15.00 lakh, it's ₹13.50 lakh; and for unit costs up to ₹30.00 lakh, it's ₹27.00 lakh.
What are the interest rates for the loan?
Interest rates for beneficiaries typically range from 4% to 7% per annum, based on the loan amount slab. A 1% rebate from the NSKFDC share of interest is provided for female beneficiaries.
Is a promoter's contribution required?
Yes, a promoter's contribution of 10% of the unit cost is required for the scheme.
What is the repayment period and moratorium?
The loan must be repaid in quarterly installments over a maximum period of 10 years, which includes a moratorium period of 6 months. Additionally, a 120-day moratorium period is allowed for Special Central Assistance (SCA) for fund utilization.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
