The Ashraya Adhar Scheme, introduced by the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Limited under the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa, is a transformative initiative aimed at providing affordable financial assistance to members of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. This scheme enables ST families to repair, renovate, or reconstruct their homes, ensuring safe and dignified living conditions. With a nominal interest rate of just 2% per annum, the scheme bridges the gap left by high-interest bank loans, making homeownership repairs accessible to marginalized communities.
Key Benefits of the Ashraya Adhar Scheme
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹5,00,000 is provided as financial assistance.
- Low Interest Rate: The loan is offered at an affordable interest rate of 2% per annum.
- Two-Installment Disbursement:
- First Installment – ₹3,75,000 is disbursed immediately after loan approval.
- Second Installment – ₹1,25,000 is released upon submission of utilization bills and physical verification of work progress.
- Insurance Coverage: Beneficiaries are required to insure their life and property, with premiums borne by the loanee unless otherwise decided by the Corporation.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ashraya Adhar Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Community: The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
- Ownership:
- The applicant must own the house (individually or jointly).
- In cases of joint ownership with separate family units residing in the same house, each unit is eligible for financial support.
- Age Limit:
- The applicant’s age should not exceed 55 years at the time of application.
- Age relaxation up to 58 years is allowed for employees of the State/Central Government, Government Corporations, Boards, or aided institutions.
- House Type: The scheme covers all types of houses, including traditional Mundcarial houses.
How to Apply – Offline Application Process
- Visit the Office :
Go to the office of the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Limited:
Address: 2nd Floor, Smruti Building, Swami Vivekanand Road, Altinho, Panaji, Goa – 403001. - Collect Application Form :
Request a hard copy of the application form from the concerned officer. - Fill the Form :
- Complete all mandatory fields in the application form.
- Paste a signed passport-sized photograph.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents (details below).
- Submit the Application :
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned officer.
- Obtain a receipt/acknowledgment for your submission.
Post-Application Processes
- Physical Verification :
- A list of eligible applicants will be prepared.
- Physical verification/inspection will be conducted by an officer of the Corporation.
- Sanctioning Authority :
- The application, along with supporting documents and the inspection report, will be placed before the sanctioning authority for appraisal and approval.
Essential Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready (self-attested where applicable);
- Scheduled Tribe Certificate.
- Age Proof: Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, or Driving License.
- Self-Affidavit: On ₹50 stamp paper, duly notarized.
- House Tax Receipt: Latest copy (original/self-attested).
- NOC from Co-owner: If applicable, on ₹50 stamp paper, duly notarized.
- Income Proof :
- For salaried individuals: Salary certificate, last 3 months’ pay slips, Form 16, or last 6 months’ bank statements.
- For self-employed individuals: Last 3 years’ ITR, last 6 months’ bank statements, or income declaration affidavit on ₹50 stamp paper.
- Sureties: Two sureties with ID proofs, salary certificates, affidavits, and passport-sized photos. (Government employees require only one surety; no surety is needed for government-employed applicants.)
- Estimated Cost: Detailed estimate of repair/renovation/reconstruction costs (as per the prescribed format).
- House Photos: Before repair/renovation/reconstruction.
- Aadhaar Card Copy: Self-attested.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Two of the applicant.
- Bank Mandate Form: For loan disbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the purpose of the moratorium period in loan repayment?
The moratorium period allows beneficiaries time to complete the repair/renovation work before beginning loan repayment.
Q.2 Can I repay the loan before the end of the moratorium period?
Yes, early repayment is allowed without penalty unless specified otherwise.
Q.3 What happens if I provide incorrect or fraudulent information?
Providing false information can lead to disqualification, legal action, and recovery of disbursed funds.
Q.4 Are there tax benefits associated with this loan repayment?
Tax benefits may apply under applicable laws; consult a tax advisor for details.
Q.5 Can I transfer my loan to another financial institution?
No, the loan cannot be transferred to another institution during the repayment period.
Why Choose the Ashraya Adhar Scheme?
This scheme ensures that members of the Scheduled Tribe community have access to affordable housing repairs and renovations. By offering low-interest loans and structured repayment options, it empowers families to improve their living conditions while fostering dignity and self-reliance.
For further assistance or queries;
- Office Address: 2nd Floor, Smruti Building, Swami Vivekanand Road, Altinho, Panaji, Goa – 403001.
- District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO): Contact your local DSWO for updates on application status.
- Scheme Details & Guidelines
- Citizen’s Charter (2022)
