Ashadeepa Scheme is a Karnataka government scheme that encourages private sector employers to give jobs to people from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. In return, the government reimburses a part of the salary, stipend and insurance (ESI and EPF) contributions that the employer pays for such workers.
Karnataka government first announced this scheme in the 2017-18 budget, and registration for employers stays open through the official Ashadeepa portal. It is meant to push more private companies and factories to hire SC and ST candidates and to make their start a little easier for the employer. As of August 2026, the scheme continues to work under the Karnataka State Workers Welfare and Social Security (Ashadeepa Scheme) Society (R), run by the Labour Department.
Ashadeepa Scheme - Introduction
Ashadeepa Scheme was brought in by Karnataka government in the 2017-18 budget to encourage private sector industries and companies to offer employment to people from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories, and by doing so to bring social justice. The scheme is run through the Karnataka State Workers Welfare and Social Security (Ashadeepa Scheme) Society (R).
Main aims:
- Create job options for SC and ST candidates in the private sector within Karnataka, so that more of these workers get a stable income.
- Improve the social and economic condition of SC and ST communities by raising their share in private employment.
- Reimburse the employer's contribution towards salary, ESI and EPF for SC and ST workers, which lowers the cost of hiring them.
- Reimburse the stipend amount an employer pays to SC and ST apprentice trainees.
- Reimburse part of the salary when an employer recruits the same apprentice into a permanent job after training.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Ashadeepa Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Karnataka |
| Category | Skills and Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individuals (SC and ST candidates) |
| Sub Category | Training and Skill Up-gradation, Apprenticeship |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Nodal Department | Labour Department, Karnataka |
| Implementing Agency | Karnataka State Workers Welfare and Social Security (Ashadeepa Scheme) Society (R) |
| Open Date | 2017-04-01 |
Benefits
This scheme gives financial support to private employers who hire SC and ST candidates. The exact repayment depends on the kind of cost the employer bears, and the amounts are given below.
| Type of Reimbursement | Financial Support Details |
|---|---|
| ESI and EPF Contribution | Up to ₹3,000 per month per candidate for 2 years. |
| Apprenticeship Stipend | Up to ₹5,000 per month (capped at 2/3rd of the total paid). |
| Post-Training Salary | 50% of the salary, maximum ₹7,000 per month for 2 years. |
| Direct Employment Salary | Up to ₹6,000 per month for 2 years (for hires after 12 June 2024). |
Besides this, the government arranges skill training for SC and ST candidates through the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood in Karnataka, so that these workers become self-reliant over time.
Eligibility
The employer should meet these conditions to claim help under the scheme for their employees:
- The applicant should be an employer running a private sector unit within Karnataka.
- The candidates being hired must be residents of Karnataka.
- The candidates must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- For stipend repayment, the candidates should be doing apprenticeship training under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
- For salary repayment, the candidates must be appointed to permanent posts after training or taken through direct recruitment.
Application Process
As an employer, the online application can be done in a few simple steps. Start by going to the official Ashadeepa page of the Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board.
STEP 1 - Visit the official website at kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in/ashadeepa on a computer or mobile browser.
STEP 2 - Scroll down to find the Ashadeepa Scheme section and open it.
STEP 3 - Click on the Apply button to begin registration.
STEP 4 - Fill in the required details such as company name, nature of business, managing partner details and employee information.
STEP 5 - Upload the required documents like the ESI and EPF contribution lists.
STEP 6 - Submit the form and keep a note of the reference number for tracking.
Documents
To make the approval process smooth, employers should keep these documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card of the employee
- Caste Certificate of the employee
- Proof of employment with the private unit
- Apprenticeship training details, where applicable
- Company bank account details
- Certified proof of ESI and EPF contributions paid
- Salary or stipend payment records
References
For the latest rules and official details, these government links are helpful:
- Official Ashadeepa portal
- Labour Department scheme page
- KSUWSSB scheme details
- About the scheme
- Application portal
FAQ's
What is Ashadeepa Scheme?
Ashadeepa Scheme is a Karnataka government scheme that encourages private sector employers to hire SC and ST candidates by repaying part of the costs like salary and insurance.
Who implements this scheme?
Labour Department of Karnataka, through the Karnataka State Workers Welfare and Social Security (Ashadeepa Scheme) Society (R), runs the program.
What is the main goal of this scheme?
It aims to improve the social and economic position of SC and ST people by increasing their employment in the private sector.
Does the scheme still run in 2026?
Yes. As of August 2026, the scheme is open, and employers can keep applying through the official portal for new SC and ST hires.
How does the repayment work for employers?
Employers get support for ESI and EPF contributions, apprenticeship stipends, and part of the salary for both apprentices and direct hires.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Any private sector employer in Karnataka hiring SC and ST residents qualifies, provided the salary and training conditions are met.
Are apprentices covered by this scheme?
Yes. Employers can claim repayment for stipends paid to SC and ST apprentices who train under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
What is the limit for apprenticeship stipend repayment?
Employers can get up to ₹5,000 per month, which covers 2/3rd of the actual stipend paid during the training period.
What happens if an apprentice is hired permanently?
On permanent hiring, the employer is eligible for 50% salary repayment up to ₹7,000 per month for two years.
Is there any help for direct recruitment?
Yes. For candidates hired directly after 12 June 2024, the employer can claim up to ₹6,000 per month for a two year period.
What is the ESI and EPF repayment limit?
The employer can claim up to ₹3,000 per month per candidate for a period of two years.
Does this scheme provide skill training?
Yes. It supports skill training for SC and ST candidates through the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood in Karnataka.
Can a candidate apply for this by themselves?
No. The scheme is made for employers to apply. There is no individual application process for employees.
How can an employer apply for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Employers should visit the official application portal to submit the required company and employee documents.