Self-Employment Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Tribes
By Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttarakhand
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Uttarakhand project loans of ₹20,000 to ₹7 lakh plus a 50% subsidy (up to ₹10,000) for self-employment by Scheduled Caste and Tribe entrepreneurs below the poverty line.
- Funding amount
- ₹20,000 – ₹7L
- Funding type
- Debt
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Uttarakhand
About this loan
Scheduled Caste and Tribe families below the poverty line in Uttarakhand can get project loans of ₹20,000 to ₹7,00,000 through nationalized banks for self-employment. A government subsidy covers 50% of the project cost, up to ₹10,000. Margin money covers 25% of the project cost at 4% a year. The Social Welfare Department, Government of Uttarakhand, runs the scheme.
Sectors include agriculture, services, business and transport. Examples are animal husbandry, beauty parlors, repair shops, driving schools, departmental stores, dhabas, sweet shops, brick making and furniture production.
You must be below the poverty line, with annual income up to ₹15,975 (rural) or ₹21,206 (urban). You must not be a bank defaulter or have taken a subsidy under any government scheme before. Transport ventures need a commercial driving license.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- ₹20,000 – ₹7L
- Fund type
- Debt
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Repayable
What You Get
The scheme provides robust financial assistance to eligible Scheduled Caste and Tribe applicants. Beneficiaries can avail project loans ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹7,00,000 through nationalized banks. A significant incentive includes a government subsidy amounting to 50% of the total project cost, capped at a maximum of ₹10,000. Additionally, the scheme offers a margin money component, covering 25% of the project cost, provided at a highly concessional annual interest rate of 4%. This structure significantly reduces the financial burden on entrepreneurs and encourages them to invest in sustainable business ventures. The combination of accessible loans, a substantial subsidy, and low-interest margin money ensures that capital is not a barrier for aspiring entrepreneurs from marginalized communities. This support stack is designed to ensure that beneficiaries have the necessary financial backing to start, operate, and expand their businesses, thereby achieving economic independence and improving their quality of life.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
For applicants in rural areas, beneficiaries are selected through open meetings conducted in Gram Sabhas. For urban areas, the selection of beneficiaries is done through an interview process.
Application Process
- 1
Download Form
Download the official application form from the 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 Self-Employment Scheme?
The scheme is open to individuals from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities who are living below the poverty line. Applicants must not exceed an annual income of ₹15,975 in rural areas or ₹21,206 in urban areas. They must also not be a defaulter of any bank or financial institution and should not have availed any government subsidy previously. A commercial driving license is required for ventures in the transport sector.
What kind of financial assistance is provided?
The scheme offers project loans ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹7,00,000 through nationalized banks. Additionally, a government subsidy of 50% of the project cost (up to a maximum of ₹10,000) is provided. There's also a margin money component of 25% of the project cost, available at a low annual interest rate of 4%.
What types of businesses are supported under this scheme?
The scheme supports a wide variety of micro-enterprises across agriculture, services, business, and transport sectors. This includes illustrative ventures such as automobile workshops, beauty parlors, various retail businesses, dhabas, manufacturing units like brick or furniture making, auto-taxis, and agricultural activities like poultry farming and beekeeping.
Is there an application fee for this scheme?
The scheme guidelines do not mention any application fee. The application form is available for free download from the official website.
How are beneficiaries selected for the scheme?
For applicants in rural areas, beneficiaries are selected through open meetings held in Gram Sabhas. For applicants residing in urban areas, the selection process is conducted through interviews.
Can I apply if I have previously received a government subsidy?
No, a key eligibility criterion for this scheme is that the applicant must not have availed any subsidy from any government scheme earlier. However, this restriction typically applies to government subsidies and generally does not extend to private funding or non-subsidized bank loans.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
