Employment Now Within Reach – Three Key Government Schemes for the Scheduled Caste Community

To provide self-employment opportunities to the youth and women of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, the government is running several beneficial schemes. In this regard, the Chief Executive Officer of the District Antyavasayi Cooperative Development Committee, Bhopal, informed that eligible beneficiaries can start their own enterprise or service-based business through these schemes. The major schemes include the Sant Ravidas Self-Employment Scheme, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Economic Welfare Scheme, and the Savitribai Phule Self-Help Group Scheme.

Sant Ravidas Self-Employment Scheme:

This scheme provides financial assistance to eligible SC youth for establishing industries, service units, and retail businesses:

Loan Amount:

1. For industrial units: ₹1 lakh to ₹50 lakh
2. For service units and retail businesses: ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakh
3. Age Limit: 18 to 45 years
4. Educational Qualification: Minimum 8th pass
5. Family Annual Income: Not exceeding ₹12 lakh
6. Interest Subsidy: 5% per annum for a maximum of 7 years on bank loans
7. How to Apply: Online application via www.samast.mponline.gov.in through MP Online

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Economic Welfare Scheme:

This scheme is aimed at individuals who wish to start self-employment ventures on a small scale:

1. Loan Amount: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000
2. Age Limit: 18 to 55 years
3. Educational Qualification: No requirement
4. Interest Subsidy: 7% per annum for a maximum of 5 years on bank loans
5. How to Apply: Apply online via www.samast.mponline.gov.in through MP Online

Savitribai Phule Self-Help Group Scheme:

This scheme is specifically designed for women belonging to the SC community who fall under the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category. It encourages group-based self-employment:

1. Applicant Age: 18 to 55 years
2. Required Documents: BPL ration card and Samagra ID
3. Group Formation: Minimum 5 women members per group
4. Loan Facility: Up to ₹50,000 per member through banks
5. Subsidy: ₹10,000 per member provided by the department
6. How to Apply: Submit applications directly at the concerned office