The LIDCOM Education Loan Scheme is a government initiative by the Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDCOM) under the Government of Maharashtra, operational since 2009. The scheme is designed to provide educational loans to economically backward students belonging to the Charmakar community (including Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, Mochi, etc.) for pursuing postgraduate education in India or abroad.
Funded by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), New Delhi, this scheme aims to uplift Charmakar youth educationally, socially, and economically, granting them a dignified place in society.
Benefits
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Loan up to ₹10,00,000 for postgraduate studies in India
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Loan up to ₹20,00,000 for postgraduate studies abroad
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Interest Rate for Male Applicants: 4% per annum
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Interest Rate for Female Applicants: 3.5% per annum
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions to apply under the LIDCOM Education Loan Scheme:
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Must be an Indian citizen
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Must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra
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Belong to the Charmakar community (Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, Mochi, etc.)
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Age must be between 18 to 50 years
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Annual family income should be ₹3,00,000 or less
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Should have knowledge related to the course or field applied for
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Admission must be confirmed in a recognized institution (conditional admission accepted for overseas education)
Application Process
Offline Process:
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Collect the application form from the LIDCOM District Office.
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Fill in all required fields, paste a signed passport-sized photograph, and self-attest all necessary documents.
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Submit the filled form and documents to the same District Office.
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Collect the receipt or acknowledgment of successful submission for future reference.
Documents Required
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Aadhaar Card
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Two signed passport-sized photographs
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Marksheet or certificate of the latest educational qualification
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Admission letter from the institution (or conditional letter for foreign universities)
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Residential or domicile certificate of Maharashtra
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Income certificate from an authorized government officer
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Caste certificate from an authorized government officer
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Bank account details (including IFSC, branch name, address)
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Previous loan A/C statement (if applicable, last 1 year)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the LIDCOM Education Loan Scheme?
A: To provide financial support to Charmakar students for postgraduate education in India and abroad.
Q: What does LIDCOM stand for?
A: Leather Industries Development Corporation, Maharashtra.
Q: Who issues the income and caste certificates?
A: Authorized officers of the Government of Maharashtra.
Q: Is this a state-funded scheme?
A: No, it is funded by the Central Government via NSFDC.
Q: Can students from other states apply?
A: No, only permanent residents of Maharashtra are eligible.
Q: What are the sub-communities under Charmakar?
A: Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, Mochi, and other recognized Scheduled Castes under this community.
Q: What is the maximum loan amount for postgraduate studies in India?
A: ₹10,00,000
Q: What is the maximum loan amount for studies abroad?
A: ₹20,00,000
Q: Is there an age limit to apply?
A: Yes, applicants must be between 18 and 50 years old.
Q: Where can I get the application form?
A: It is available at the District Office of LIDCOM (currently not available online).
Sources & References
For further assistance, applicants can contact the nearest LIDCOM District Office or the Managing Director’s Office as mentioned on the official website.
