The “Scheme for Small Business Owners of Scheduled Castes to Buy a Place of Business/Shop”, launched by the Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat, aims to boost entrepreneurship and business ownership among Scheduled Caste individuals. Through a loan of up to ₹10 lakhs and a ₹15,000 subsidy, this scheme enables beneficiaries to purchase or build a shop or business premises in urban areas, encouraging long-term economic stability and self-reliance.
Highlights of Gujarat SC Business Entrepreneurs to Buy Shops
• Name of Scheme: Scheme for SC Small Business Owners to Buy Shop/Business Premises
• Launched by: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat
• Target Group: Scheduled Caste individuals in Gujarat
• Maximum Loan: ₹10,00,000/-
• Interest Subsidy: Beneficiary pays up to 4%; remaining covered by Govt. (for 3 years)
• Additional Subsidy: ₹15,000 grant
• Application Mode: Online via e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
• Geographical Scope: Urban Areas of Gujarat
Key Benefits of the Scheme
• Loan of up to ₹10 lakhs for purchase or construction of a business/shop in urban areas
• The government pays interest above 4% for the first three years
• One-time subsidy of ₹15,000 to support the business setup
• Priority to educated unemployed, mill workers, technical professionals, and skilled individuals
• Shop/premises can also be on long-term government-allotted rent, with a mortgage until repayment
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a native/resident of Gujarat
• Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
• No income limit to apply
• The loan is applicable only for one shop or business premises
• Premises must follow land and construction laws
• Business location must not be used for illegal activities
• Applicant must provide security of two local persons with immovable assets equal to the loan amount
• Priority given to:
– Educated unemployed
– Unemployed mill workers
– Technically trained professionals
– Existing self-employed individuals
How to Apply (Online via e-Samaj Kalyan Portal)
Step-by-Step Application Guide;
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Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
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Under ‘Citizen Login’, click on “Please Register Here” if you’re a new user
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Register using Aadhaar number, name, DOB, caste, and contact details
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After registration, log in with your User ID and Password
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Update your profile under the ‘User Profile’ section
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Select the scheme from the homepage and fill in all required details
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Upload necessary documents and agree to the terms & conditions
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Submit the application form and save/print the reference number for tracking
Essential Documents
• Passport-sized Photograph
• Caste Certificate (Issued by ompetent authority)
• Aadhaar Card
• Residence Proof (Electricity Bill/Lease Agreement/Voter ID/Ration Card)
• Birth Certificate or School Leaving Certificate
• Bank Passbook first page or Cancelled Cheque
• Agreement or Bank Guarantee (notarized)
• Any additional documents as notified
Important Conditions
• The shop must be constructed or bought according to local land and building norms
• Loan and subsidy must be used only for the approved purpose
• Shop must not engage in illegal activities
• Loan defaulters will face 2.5% penal interest, and dues may be recovered as land revenue arrears
• Beneficiaries can prepay the loan before the due period without penalty
• Subsidy of ₹15,000 is released 3 months after shop opening
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who launched this scheme and when?
A: The scheme was launched in 1991 by the Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare, Government of Gujarat.
Q: What is the maximum loan available?
A: Beneficiaries can get up to ₹10,00,000/- as a business/shop loan.
Q: How is the interest managed?
A: The beneficiary pays up to 4%, and the government covers the rest for 3 years.
Q: What is the additional subsidy provided?
A: A ₹15,000 subsidy is granted in addition to the loan.
Q: Who gets priority for the scheme?
A: Priority is given to educated unemployed, mill workers, skilled professionals, and qualified self-employed persons.
Q: Can I apply for a shop allotted by a government authority?
A: Yes, if allotted on long-term rent, and the premises are mortgaged to the government until repayment.
Q: Can I repay the loan earlier than scheduled?
A: Yes, early repayment is allowed without penalty.
Q: What if I default on loan payments?
A: You’ll be charged 2.5% penal interest, and recovery will follow land revenue procedures.
Sources & References
• Official Scheme Guidelines – Page 87
• [Application Form & Notification – 1991 and 2014 Updates]
• e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
Conclusion
This scheme is a significant initiative by the Gujarat Government to foster business ownership among Scheduled Caste communities. By offering financial support for purchasing shops or constructing business premises, it encourages long-term entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. If you’re eligible, register on the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal and apply today to take a solid step toward building your own business.
