Micro Finance (Gopalak Nigam)

Micro Finance (Gopalak Nigam) is a loan scheme run by Gujarat Gopalak Vikas Nigam under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department. It gives small entrepreneurs from the Rabari and Bharwad communities in Gujarat affordable loans to start or grow their own business.

Under this scheme, an eligible applicant can get a loan of up to ₹1.25 lakh at a low 5% annual interest rate. The corporation covers 95% of the project cost, so the applicant only needs to arrange 5% of the money themselves. Applications are accepted online through the official GGDC portal, and the scheme is open for new applications in the 2026-27 financial year.

Micro Finance (Gopalak Nigam) - Introduction

Micro Finance (Gopalak Nigam) works as a financial bridge for small entrepreneurs belonging to the Rabari and Bharwad castes. These are pastoral communities in Gujarat, and the scheme is made to help them earn a steady living through small business and self-employment.

The scheme keeps the personal money burden low. Because the corporation covers 95% of the project cost as a loan, an applicant who wants to set up a small unit only needs to contribute 5% of the total cost. This makes it easier for people with limited savings to start a business such as a grocery shop, dairy parlour, or other small trade.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme gives several advantages to help an applicant run a small business smoothly:

• Get financial support of up to ₹1.25 lakh for a small business project.
• Pay only a low subsidized interest rate of 5% per annum on the loan.
• The corporation covers 95% of the project cost, so the loan amount is large enough to set up the unit properly.
• Only 5% of the total cost needs to be arranged by the applicant themselves.
• The scheme encourages steady income growth and self-reliance for families in these communities.

Eligibility

To qualify for support under Micro Finance (Gopalak Nigam), an applicant should meet the following conditions:

1. Must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
2. Must belong to the Rabari or Bharwad caste, which are part of the socially and educationally backward classes in the state.
3. Age should be between 21 and 50 years.
4. Annual family income should not exceed ₹5.00 lakh. For example, if a person earns ₹4.50 lakh in a year, they are eligible to apply.
5. Must have a clear plan to start or expand a small business.
6. Should not have an outstanding unpaid loan from the corporation from an earlier period.

Application Process

The application is done fully online through the official GGDC portal. Follow these steps to apply:

STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at GGDC online loan application portal.

STEP 2 - Register or log in using a valid mobile number and your personal details.

STEP 3 - Fill in the application form with your personal, caste, income and business details.

STEP 4 - Upload your photo and the required documents, then click on Confirm Application to submit your application.

STEP 5 - Keep a copy of the application number, as the same number works as your confirmation number for tracking.

Documents

To make sure the application is approved without delay, keep these documents ready before applying:

1. Residence or domicile certificate of Gujarat.
2. Caste certificate confirming Rabari or Bharwad status.
3. Income certificate showing family income within the limit.
4. Age proof such as a school leaving certificate, Aadhaar card or voter ID.
5. Aadhaar card copy (both sides).
6. Ration card copy (both sides).
7. Bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
8. Proof showing the 5% contribution has been arranged.
9. A brief project report or business plan.

References

View Official Scheme Guidelines

Official Application Portal

FAQ's

What is Micro Finance (Gopalak Nigam)?

It is a government-backed scheme that provides low-interest loans to Rabari and Bharwad entrepreneurs in Gujarat to promote self-employment.

What is the highest loan amount I can receive?

You can receive a maximum loan amount of ₹1.25 lakh under this scheme.

What is the applicable interest rate?

The interest rate is fixed at a subsidized 5% per annum.

How much money do I need to contribute?

You are required to arrange 5% of the total project cost yourself.

Am I eligible if my family income is ₹4 lakh?

Yes, since the annual family income limit is now up to ₹5 lakh, you are eligible to apply.

What is the age limit for applying?

Applicants should be between 21 and 50 years of age.

Do I need to submit any collateral?

No, there is no requirement for collateral security to avail of this loan.

How will I receive the loan funds?

Once your documents are verified and your application is approved, the money is directly credited to your registered bank account.