The VISVAS Scheme is an interest subvention scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to provide financial assistance in the form of interest subsidies to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes (SC) beneficiaries, either as individuals or through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The goal is to promote entrepreneurship, reduce financial burden, and support sustainable livelihood development.
Highlights of the VISVAS Loan Scheme
• Launched By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Implementing Agencies: NBCFDC (for OBCs), NSFDC (for SCs)
• Loan Type: Interest Subvention on existing or new loans
• Maximum Loan Limit: ₹2 lakh (Individual), ₹4 lakh (SHG)
• Interest Subvention: 5% per annum
• Mode of Benefit: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to loan account
• Partner Banks: Central Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, RRBs
Key Benefits
• Interest subsidy of up to 5% per annum
• Applicable for loans through PSBs, RRBs, and recognized financial institutions
• Direct credit of subvention into beneficiary’s operating account
• No additional documentation if availed via recognized SHGs or eligible categories
Eligibility Conditions
For OBC Beneficiaries
• Must belong to OBC community (as per Central/State Govt list)
• OBC Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholder
• OBC individuals with 3+ deprivations under SECC-2011
• Must be engaged in agricultural activities covered under PM-KISAN
• SHGs must be NRLM/NULM/NABARD registered with 2+ years of credit history
For SC Beneficiaries
• SHGs recognized by NSFDC, registered under NRLM/NULM/NABARD
• Must have a valid Income Certificate issued by a competent authority
• Should be in the SC category as per the Central/State Government
• Eligible if holding an AAY card or showing 3+ deprivations under SECC-2011
• Agricultural workers under PM-KISAN are also eligible
How to Apply – Offline Process
-
Visit the Nearest SCA Office
Locate your local State Channelizing Agency (SCA) via:
👉 https://nsfdc.nic.in/channel-patrners/scas -
Fill the Application Form
Collect the VISVAS scheme form, provide all necessary details, including loan requirement, business type, and any training needs. -
Submit with Documents
Hand over the filled form and supporting documents to the SCA officer. Upon review and verification, loan and interest benefits will be sanctioned accordingly.
Necessary Documents for Application
• Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
• SHG Membership Proof (for SHG applications)
• Registration certificate from NRLM/NULM/NABARD
• Proof of SHG’s 2+ year credit history
• Ration Card
• Valid Income Certificate from the competent authority
• Caste Certificate (SC/OBC as applicable)
• AAY Card (if applicable)
• Proof of PM-KISAN beneficiary status (if applicable)
• Passport-size Photograph
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are SHGs already receiving benefits from other schemes eligible under VISVAS?
A: Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility norms and are not availing similar interest subvention from another scheme.
Q2: What does VISVAS stand for?
A: VISVAS stands for “Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ko Aarthik Sahayata”—Financial Assistance to Marginalized Groups and Units.
Q3: What is the maximum loan limit for SHGs?
A: ₹4,00,000 per SHG.
Q4: What is the maximum loan limit for individuals?
A: ₹2,00,000 per individual.
Q5: What is the subvention amount under this scheme?
A: Interest subvention of up to 5% per annum.
Q6: How is the subsidy paid?
A: The amount is directly credited to the operating loan account of the individual or SHG via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q7: Is agricultural activity covered under this scheme?
A: Yes, beneficiaries under PM-KISAN are covered for interest subvention.
References & Useful Links
• NSFDC Official Guidelines
• VISVAS Scheme MoA with Banks
• Channel Partners List for SHG Application
