Scheme for Small Business Owners of Scheduled Castes to Buy a Place of Business/Shop
Scheme for Small Business Owners of Scheduled Castes to Buy a Place of Business/Shop helps Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs in Gujarat who want to own their own shop or business premises. The scheme has been running since 1991 under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat.
The scheme provides bank loans and a government subsidy to help you buy a commercial space for your business in urban areas. It mainly targets educated unemployed youth, former mill workers, and people with technical or professional skills looking to set up shop.
Scheme for Small Business Owners of Scheduled Castes to Buy a Place of Business/Shop
Benefits
This scheme offers solid financial support to get your business place set up:
- A loan of up to ₹10 Lakhs to purchase a business premises or shop in an urban area. You pay interest up to 4%, and the government covers any interest above that for 3 years as a subsidy.
- A direct subsidy of ₹15,000/- along with the loan. The subsidy is released three months after you open your shop.
Eligibility
Check these conditions before you apply:
- You must be a native of Gujarat and belong to the Scheduled Caste category. There is no income limit for this scheme.
- The loan is for a shop or business premises at one location only.
- You must provide security of two local people who own immovable property equal to the full loan value.
- If you construct on your own land, make sure the land title is clear and the land is classified as uncultivated.
- If you rent a premises from government bodies, you must mortgage the property to the government until the loan repayment is complete.
Priority is given to educated unemployed youth, former mill workers, and people with technical or professional qualifications. The shop must comply with all land and safety construction rules, and illegal activities are strictly prohibited at the business site.
How to Apply
STEP 1 - Visit the official e-Samaj Kalyan Portal at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in and look for the Citizen Login section on the homepage.
STEP 2 - If you are a new user, click on Please Register Here under the Citizen Login tab. Enter your Full Name, Aadhaar Card number, Gender, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Caste details to complete registration.
STEP 3 - After successful registration, log in with your credentials. Update your profile by filling in all mandatory details under the User Profile section and click Update.
STEP 4 - From the home page list, select the Scheme for Small Business Owners of Scheduled Castes to Buy a Place of Business/Shop. Fill in all the required details and upload all relevant documents carefully.
STEP 5 - Review the application, agree to the terms and conditions, and click Save Application. Print the submitted form and save your application number to track its progress on the portal.
You can also find the guide in the Citizen Help Manual available on the portal. Alternatively, visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) for help with the application process.
Required Documents
Keep these documents ready before you start filling the application:
- Passport-size photograph
- Caste certificate issued by a competent authority
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Proof of residence (electricity bill, lease agreement, or ration card)
- Birth certificate or school leaving certificate
- First page of bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- Notarized agreement or bank guarantee affidavit
- Any other documents specified during the application
A list of application attachments is available on the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal for download.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme for Small Business Owners of Scheduled Castes to Buy a Place of Business/Shop |
| Also Known As | BCK-43 : Financial Assistance to Small Entrepreneurs in Urban Areas |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Implementing Agency | Office of Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare and Office of Social Welfare Officer |
| Launch Year | 1991 |
| Maximum Loan | ₹10 Lakhs |
| Interest Burden | Up to 4%, rest covered by government for 3 years |
| Subsidy Amount | ₹15,000/- |
| Application Portal | e-Samaj Kalyan Portal |
References
Official Website | E-Samaj Kalyan Portal | Application Form
FAQ's
Who launched this scheme and when?
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat, launched this scheme in 1991.
What is the maximum loan amount available?
Eligible people can get a maximum loan of ₹10 Lakhs to buy their business premises or shop in urban areas.
How is the interest managed on the loan?
The borrower pays interest up to 4%, and the government covers any remaining interest for 3 years as a subsidy.
Is there any additional subsidy besides the loan?
Yes, a subsidy of ₹15,000/- is provided along with the loan, released three months after shop opening.
Who gets priority for this scheme?
Educated unemployed youth, former mill workers, and people with technical or professional qualifications get priority.
Can I repay my loan early?
Yes. You are free to repay the loan installments and interest before the due date.
What happens if I default on my loan?
A 2.5% penal interest is charged on overdue payments, and the outstanding amount may also be recovered as land revenue arrears.