Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Living cum work shed Construction Scheme offers money help to houseless leather artisans in Karnataka to build integrated living and working spaces through the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation. As of 12 August 2026, the scheme is still open and eligible artisans can apply online through the Seva Sindhu and Suvidha portals.
This scheme supports leather artisans by giving them financial support for building a dedicated living and work shed. Artisans who already own a site, old house, or hut in their name can improve their living and working conditions with government support managed through the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation.
Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Living cum work shed Construction Scheme
Under this scheme, a houseless leather artisan gets a total of ₹2,50,000 to construct the shed. Out of this, the government gives a subsidy of ₹2,20,000 and the beneficiary contributes ₹30,000. The shed is designed so the artisan can live and run the craft work from the same place.
The scheme is run by the Karnataka government through the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation, and the applications are handled by the Social Welfare Department. The scheme also covers development of LIDKAR colonies and other colonies where leather artisans live.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Living cum work shed Construction Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Karnataka |
| Category | Housing and Shelter |
| Target Beneficiaries | Houseless leather artisans |
| Total Financial Assistance | ₹2,50,000 |
| Government Subsidy | ₹2,20,000 |
| Beneficiary Contribution | ₹30,000 |
| Application Mode | Online (Seva Sindhu / Suvidha) |
Benefits
The scheme provides a total financial assistance of ₹2,50,000 for the construction of the shed. The government provides a subsidy of ₹2,20,000, while the beneficiary contributes ₹30,000. The money is given to help the artisan build a combined living and work space so they do not have to spend lakhs on their own.
| Description | Amount |
| Total Financial Assistance | ₹2,50,000 |
| Government Subsidy | ₹2,20,000 |
| Beneficiary Contribution | ₹30,000 |
Along with the shed, the scheme also supports the development of LIDKAR colonies and other colonies where leather artisans live. This includes building concrete roads, drainage, street lights, drinking water facilities, Charmashilpi Bhavan for cultural activities, and toilet facilities.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria:
- Profession: The applicant should be a practicing leather artisan.
- Caste: The applicant should belong to specific scheduled castes including Arundathiyar, Chammadiya, Chamar, Chambar, Chamagar, Madar, Madig, Madiga, Mini Madig, Jambavalu, Haralayya, Machigar, Mochigar, Mochi, Muchi, Telugu Mochi, Kamaati Mocha, Rohidas, Dhor, Kakkayya, Kankayya, Samagara, Samagar, Aadhi Andhra, Aadhi Dravida, or Aadhi Karnataka.
- Age: The applicant should be at least 18 years old.
- Income Limits: The annual family income should not exceed ₹32,000 in rural areas or ₹87,600 in urban areas. For example, if Ramesh, a rural artisan, earns ₹30,000 annually, he is eligible, but if his income goes above ₹32,000, he would not qualify.
- Status: The applicant or family members should not have received similar benefits earlier, apart from Training or Paaduke Kuteera schemes.
- Employment: Family members should not work in government or semi-government organizations.
- Assets: The applicant must own a site, old house, or hut to get construction funds.
There is a 33% reservation for female artisans and a 5% reservation for physically challenged candidates under this scheme. Applicants from Aadhi Dravida, Aadhi Karnataka, and Aadhi Andhra communities must submit a self-declaration letter that names their sub-caste.
Application Process
The online application can be completed by following these simple steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Seva Sindhu or Suvidha portal at LIDKAR official website and go to the 'Department and Services' section.
STEP 2 - Select the 'Social Welfare Department' and click on the 'Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Living cum work shed Construction Scheme'.
STEP 3 - Click on 'Apply Online' and enter the registered email ID or mobile number along with the OTP to login.
STEP 4 - Fill in the personal, address, and banking details as required and submit the application.
STEP 5 - After submitting, an application number is given. Use this number to track the status of the application on the portal.
Documents Required
Keep the following required documents ready when applying:
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant and spouse.
- Aadhaar card.
- Caste certificate with RD number.
- Valid annual income certificate.
- Ration card.
- Site Khatha certificate.
- E-Shram card (only for cobbler or shoe maker profession).
- Skill test certificate issued by the Corporation's Technical Section Committee.
After the application is submitted, the District Coordinator verifies the applications and prepares a list of eligible artisans. This list is presented to the concerned MLAs for recommendation, and then the District Level Selection Committee decides who will be selected. The selected list is put up on the notice boards of the respective units after administrative approval.
References
For detailed official guidelines, visit the LIDKAR Infrastructure Development Programs page. For the latest news on the scheme, read the Vijaya Karnataka report on the scheme.
FAQ's
What is the objective of this scheme?
This scheme gives financial support to leather artisans for building a combined living and work space.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Leather artisans from specific scheduled castes who own a site, old house, or hut are eligible.
What is the subsidy provided?
The government provides a subsidy of ₹2,20,000, and the beneficiary needs to contribute ₹30,000.
What is the minimum age for eligibility?
The applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Is a site or old house required to apply?
Yes, the applicant must own a site, old house, or hut to qualify for construction funds.
Are women artisans eligible for this scheme?
Yes, the scheme reserves 33% of the slots for female artisans.
How can one apply for the scheme?
The application is done online through the Seva Sindhu or Suvidha portal.
Who verifies the application?
A District Coordinator reviews the application before it reaches the MLA for final processing.
What happens after the district-level selection committee's decision?
The list of selected beneficiaries is displayed on public notice boards.
What documents are required for applying?
The applicant needs Aadhaar, caste proof, income details, ration card, and site Khatha certificate.