Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a key central government ministry responsible for the welfare, social upliftment, and empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, and victims of substance abuse. The Ministry channels significant funds through welfare and entrepreneurship programs.

Startup & Entrepreneurship Programs

• Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes: A government-backed fund providing concessional financing to SC entrepreneurs starting businesses — one of the few targeted VC schemes for caste-based social equity in India
• National SC-ST Hub: Operated in collaboration with DPIIT, the National SC-ST Hub provides procurement preference, mentoring, and capacity building for SC/ST entrepreneurs in the MSME sector
• PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana): Upskilling and reskilling scheme for OBCs, EBCs, and De-notified Tribes — creating an entrepreneurship-ready talent pool
• SIPDA (Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act): Supports disability-inclusive businesses and entrepreneurs
• SMSA (Scheme for Marketing Assistance): Helps SC-owned businesses access markets through trade fairs and exhibitions

Who Should Apply

SC/ST/OBC entrepreneurs and social enterprises serving underrepresented communities. Startups focused on accessibility technology, community health, and inclusive fintech will find alignment with the Ministry's mandate.