Scheme of Assistance to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations

Description
The "Scheme of Assistance to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations" was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment DoSJE , Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment MoSJE , Government of India. The scheme aims to provide economic development assistance to Scheduled Castes living below the poverty line through State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations functioning in 23 States and 4 Union Territories, addressing the financial mobilization challenges faced by this community. The scheme provides share capital contribution in the ratio of 49:51 between Central Government and State Governments, along with financial assistance in the form of margin money loans at low interest rates and subsidies to reduce repayment liability. The applicant must belong to Scheduled Castes and must be living below the poverty line. The scheme is implemented by State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations. The applications for this scheme are accepted through State Channelizing Agencies.

Benefits
• Financial assistance in the form of margin money loans at low rate of interest.
• Subsidy provision to reduce repayment liability of beneficiaries.
• The quantum and ceiling of subsidy is the same as for schemes under Integrated Rural Development Programme.
• Credit support facilitation through tie-ups with financial institutions, banks, National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation.

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The applicant must belong to Scheduled Castes.
2. - The applicant must be living below the poverty line.
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Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the nearest office of the SCDC of their state. SCDCs generally have their offices in each district. Obtained the prescribed format of the application form for the scheme.
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Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the nearest office of the SCDC of their state. SCDCs generally have their offices in each district. Obtained the prescribed format of the application form for the scheme.

Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required). Sign the application form and mention the date.
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Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required). Sign the application form and mention the date.

Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the office of the SCDC.
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*Applicants are advised to save a copy of the submitted application form and any acknowledgment.

Required Documents
• Caste Certificate
• Income Certificate / BPL Certificate
• Identity Proof
• Address Proof
• Project Proposal or Business Plan (for the intended economic activity)

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What specific community background do I need to belong to for being considered eligible under this financial assistance program?
A: You must belong to the Scheduled Castes community as recognized under the Constitution of India.
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Q: Can I apply for assistance if my family income is above a certain threshold level?
A: No, you must be living below the poverty line to be eligible for assistance under this program.
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Q: What types of business ventures or economic activities are covered under the employment-oriented assistance provided?
A: The program covers agriculture and allied activities including minor irrigation, small scale industry, transport, and trade and service sector activities.
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Q: How is the share capital contribution divided between the Central Government and State Governments for this development program?
A: The Central Government contributes 49% and State Governments contribute 51% of the share capital to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations.
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Q: What kind of financial support can I expect in terms of reducing my loan repayment burden?
A: You will receive subsidy provision to reduce your repayment liability, with quantum and ceiling same as schemes under Integrated Rural Development Programme.
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Q: Through which organizations or institutions will I be able to access credit facilities under this assistance program?
A: Credit facilities are provided through tie-ups with local banks, National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation.
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Q: When was this particular financial assistance program for economic development first introduced by the government?
A: The program was introduced in the year 1978-79 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in States and Union Territories.
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Q: How many states and territories currently have these development corporations operating to provide assistance?
A: Currently, State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations are functioning in 23 States and 4 Union Territories.
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Q: What is the minimum recovery rate requirement that affects the release of central share equity capital?
A: The minimum recovery rate requirement is 60% of loans disbursed by State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations to beneficiaries.
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Q: Are there any relaxed recovery rate conditions available for states with high Scheduled Castes population?
A: Yes, eleven high Scheduled Castes population states have relaxed recovery rates based on their performance during previous plan periods.
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Q: What percentage of the Share Equity Capital released by Central Government must be utilized before further assistance?
A: 75% of the Share Equity Capital released by Central Government to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations must be utilized.
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Q: Who determines the cost norms and project guidelines for the various economic development activities covered?
A: The cost norms of the projects and schemes are determined by the State Government and State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations.
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Q: What is the interest rate structure for the margin money loans provided under this financial assistance program?
A: Margin money loans are provided at a low rate of interest, though the specific rate is not mentioned in the guidelines.
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Q: How are the funds from Central Government typically channeled to reach the State development corporations?
A: Central share of equity capital is sent directly to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations, or routed through National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation when necessary.
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