The Sanitary Marts Scheme is a transformative initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to empower liberated Safai Karamcharis, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents by helping them set up sanitation-related businesses. Through this scheme, eligible individuals and groups can receive up to ₹15 lakhs in loans at subsidized interest rates to establish a Sanitary Mart, a one-stop shop for sanitation and hygiene-related products and services.
Highlights of MSJE Loan Scheme
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Scheme Name: Sanitary Marts Scheme
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Launched By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India
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Implementing Agencies: State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and Nationalised Banks
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Loan Amount: Up to 90% of project cost (maximum ₹15,00,000)
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Interest Rate: Max 4% per annum (Rebate for women and timely repayment)
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Promoter Contribution: Minimum 10% of the project cost
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Moratorium: 6 months + 4 months implementation period
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Repayment Tenure: Up to 10 years in quarterly installments
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Target Group: Safai Karamcharis, Waste Pickers, Manual Scavengers & their dependents
Benefits of the Scheme
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Loan Assistance:
Receive up to 90% of the project cost, with a maximum cap of ₹15 lakhs for setting up a Sanitary Mart. -
Low Interest Rate:
Interest payable is capped at 4% per annum.
An additional 1% rebate for women and a 0.5% rebate for timely repayments. -
Flexible Repayment Terms:
Repayment period of up to 10 years, with quarterly installments. -
Moratorium Period:
A grace period of 6 months, plus a 4-month implementation window before repayment begins. -
Entrepreneurship Opportunity:
Enables marginalized workers to start sanitation-related businesses and earn sustainable livelihoods.
Eligibility Conditions
The following individuals/entities are eligible for financial assistance under the scheme;
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Safai Karamcharis, including Waste Pickers, identified Manual Scavengers, and their dependents.
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Registered Co-operative Societies or legally constituted associations/firms formed by the target group.
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Individuals certified by:
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Revenue Officer / Municipal Officer / Cantonment Officer
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Railway Officer or Gazetted Officers of Govt departments
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Pradhan of Gram Panchayat or equivalent authority
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Regional Managers of RRBs or Public Sector Banks
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Note: If a person’s name is listed in the final Manual Scavenger list prepared under the MS Act 2013, no certificate is required.
Exclusions
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Domestic Workers are not eligible under this scheme.
How to Apply – Offline Process
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Interested and eligible candidates can apply to the District Offices of SCAs, RRBs, or Nationalised Banks.
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Applications are forwarded to the Head Offices for appraisal.
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After appraisal, projects are sent to NSKFDC along with recommendations.
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The Project Appraisal Committee reviews and forwards proposals to the Board of Directors for approval.
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Upon approval, Sanction Letters are issued.
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After fulfilling the terms and document submission, funds are disbursed to beneficiaries.
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Final fund release is made by NSKFDC based on their Lending Policies & Guidelines.
Necessary Documents for Application
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Aadhaar Card (optional but preferred)
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Occupation Certificate (mandatory)
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Additional documents may be required based on lender guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the moratorium period under the scheme?
A: Beneficiaries get a 6-month moratorium in addition to a 4-month implementation period.
Q: Is this scheme available to all unorganized workers?
A: No, it is specifically for Safai Karamcharis, Waste Pickers, and Manual Scavengers.
Q: Is there any income limit to apply?
A: No specific income limit is mentioned; eligibility is based on occupation and documentation.
Q: Are Domestic Workers eligible for this scheme?
A: No, Domestic Workers are not covered under this scheme.
Q: Can Waste Pickers apply for the loan?
A: Yes, Waste Pickers are eligible beneficiaries.
