Chief Minister's Self Employment Scheme
By Department of Personnel, Reforms, Training and Public Grievances, Government of Sikkim
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Quick Answer
Interest-free loan scheme of the Government of Sikkim for unemployed youth aged 22-35 to start self-employment ventures in business, service and industrial activities.
About this loan
Unemployed youth aged 22 to 35 in Sikkim can get an interest-free loan to start their own business, service or industrial venture. The Chief Minister's Self Employment Scheme is run by the Department of Personnel, Reforms, Training, Public Grievances, Government of Sikkim.
The loan goes up to ₹3,00,000 per person. It is interest-free for the first two years from disbursement. After that, simple interest of 6% a year applies on the outstanding principal.
You must be unemployed and have passed at least class 10. Family annual income must not exceed ₹2,50,000. Only one member per family is eligible, except for BPL families.
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
Benefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹3L
- Fund type
- Debt
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Repayable
What You Get
The scheme offers loans up to ₹3,00,000 per individual to support the establishment of self-employment ventures. These loans are designed with a significant advantage: they are entirely interest-free for the initial two years from the date of disbursement, providing a crucial buffer for new entrepreneurs. Following this initial period, a simple interest rate of 6% per annum will apply to the outstanding principal. This financial support is specifically tailored to help unemployed youth, especially those from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, to launch and sustain their businesses across various sectors, including retail, service provision, and light industrial activities, thereby promoting economic self-reliance and local enterprise development.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
Applications are screened by the Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO) to ensure all eligibility criteria are met and required documentation is complete. Further evaluation is conducted to assess the viability of the proposed self-employment ventures before loan approval and disbursement.
Application Process
- 1
Obtain Application Form
Visit Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO) to request a hard copy of the application form.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Chief Minister's Self Employment Scheme?
Unemployed youth aged 22-35, with a minimum 10th pass qualification and a family annual income not exceeding ₹2,50,000, are eligible. Only one member per family is considered, except for BPL families. This scheme aims to support individuals trained in Constituency wise Livelihood schools across Sikkim to start new ventures.
What is the maximum loan amount available?
Individuals can receive loans up to ₹3,00,000 under this scheme, providing substantial seed capital for new businesses.
What are the interest terms for the loan?
The loans are entirely interest-free for the first two years, offering significant financial relief during the critical startup phase. After this period, a simple interest rate of 6% per annum will be levied on the remaining principal balance.
How can I apply for the scheme?
Interested applicants must visit the Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO) during their official office hours to personally obtain and submit the prescribed application form. This ensures direct interaction and support for applicants.
What types of ventures are supported?
The scheme broadly supports a range of self-employment ventures, including initiatives in business, service-oriented activities, and various industrial sectors, encouraging a diverse entrepreneurial landscape within Sikkim.
What happens if the loan recipient passes away?
In the unfortunate event of the loan recipient's death, the co-applicant becomes liable for the refund of the outstanding principal amount, which must be repaid within one year.
