In a move to empower the unemployed youth of the state, the Government of Sikkim, through its Department of Personnel, Reforms, Training, and Public Grievances, has introduced the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES). This scheme offers interest-free loans up to ₹3,00,000 for youth trained in Livelihood Schools across Sikkim to help them start small businesses or self-employment ventures in the service, trade, or industrial sectors.
This initiative especially benefits Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and seeks to reduce unemployment while promoting entrepreneurship among Sikkimese youth.
Highlights of Sikkim CM Self Employment Loan
• Scheme Name: Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES)
• Launched By: Government of Sikkim
• Department: Department of Personnel, Reforms & Training
• Target Beneficiaries: Unemployed youth from BPL or low-income households
• Loan Amount: Up to ₹3,00,000 per individual
• Interest Terms: Interest-free for 2 years, 6% simple interest thereafter
• Application Mode: Offline
Key Benefits of the Scheme
• Loan Limit: Up to ₹3,00,000 per individual
• Interest-Free Period: No interest for the first 2 years
• Low Interest: 6% simple interest applicable after 2 years
• Entrepreneurship Boost: Encourages start-ups in service, trade, and small-scale industry
Note: In case of the borrower’s death, the co-applicant must repay only the principal within one year.
Eligibility Criteria
• The applicant must be unemployed
• Age should be between 22 to 35 years
• Must have passed 10th standard or equivalent
• The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹2,50,000
• Only one member per family is eligible (except for BPL families)
How to Apply – Offline Application
• Step 1: Visit the Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO) during office hours
• Step 2: Request and fill out the prescribed application form
• Step 3: Attach required self-attested documents and complete the form
• Step 4: Apply to SIDICO staff
• Step 5: Collect an acknowledgment receipt with submission date and reference number
Essential Documents
• Income Certificate certified by the District Collector
• Affidavit of Unemployment and declaration of no outstanding dues
• Project Feasibility Certificate (to prove the viability of the proposed venture)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
A: Unemployed individuals aged 22–35, with 10th pass qualification and annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh.
Q: What is the maximum loan amount offered?
A: Up to ₹3,00,000 per eligible applicant.
Q: Is there any interest in the loan?
A: The loan is interest-free for 2 years. After that, a 6% simple interest applies.
Q: How can I apply for the scheme?
A: The application must be submitted offline through the Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO).
Q: Can more than one person from a family apply?
A: Only one member per family is eligible, except for BPL families, where more than one may be considered.
Q: What happens if the loan recipient dies?
A: The co-applicant must repay only the principal amount within one year.
References & Useful Links
• Official Guidelines – Government of Sikkim
• Department of Personnel, Reforms & Training
• Sikkim Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (SIDICO)
