AI SummaryDr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Stipend to Scheduled Caste Lawyers gives monthly cash support to Scheduled Caste law graduates in Gujarat during their first three years of legal practice. The scheme has been in place under the Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat, since 2000, and applications for the current year continue to be accepted online through the e-Samaj Kalyan portal in 2026.
Law graduates from the scheduled caste community often find the early years of practice hard to manage. This scheme makes sure the junior advocate and the senior lawyer guiding them both receive a fixed monthly amount, so talented newcomers stay in the legal profession instead of stopping midway. New enrollees of the Gujarat Bar Council can apply either online or offline.
Dr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Stipend to Scheduled Caste Lawyers - Introduction
This scheme is a support system of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. It was launched in 2000 to help law graduates from the scheduled caste community who face money problems after getting enrolled with the Bar Council. A monthly stipend is given for three years to the junior advocate and a training fee is paid to the senior advocate, which keeps the training arrangement smooth for both sides.
There is no income limit under this scheme. Training is normally done at the district headquarters, and after an amendment it can also happen at taluka headquarters. The District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare office looks after the applications and approval process at the district level.
Key Information
| Key Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Stipend to Scheduled Caste Lawyers |
| Launched In | 2000 |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Gujarat |
| Category | Skills and Employment |
| Sub Category | Training and Skill Up-gradation |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | District Deputy Director Office, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Gujarat |
| Official Portal | e-Samaj Kalyan |
Benefits
The scheme gives a monthly stipend to support legal training under a senior professional. The financial benefits are structured as follows:
| Training Period | Stipend Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| First Year Training | ₹1,000 |
| Second Year Training | ₹800 |
| Third Year Training | ₹600 |
| Senior Lawyer Training Fee | ₹500 |
Law graduates who need a separate loan to set up their own office or chamber can also look into the related Dr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Loan/Assistance to Law Graduates of Scheduled Caste on Sarkari Yojana.
Eligibility
Anyone planning to apply should first check these conditions:
- Law degree: the applicant must hold a law degree and be enrolled with the Gujarat Bar Council.
- Scheduled caste category: the applicant should belong to the scheduled caste community and be a native of Gujarat.
- Application time: the application should reach the authorities within two years of registration with the Gujarat Bar Council.
- Senior lawyer: the mentor should have at least 10 years of active practice experience and may guide up to two junior lawyers under this scheme.
- One-time benefit: this stipend can be received only once by each applicant.
- No income limit: there is no income ceiling for applying under this scheme.
For example, if Ravi, a law graduate from Gujarat, registers with the Bar Council, he should apply within two years so that his application is processed on time.
Application Process
Online
Applicants can apply through the official e-Samaj Kalyan portal. Steps to apply online:
STEP 1 - Open the official portal at e-Samaj Kalyan Portal and click on the 'Citizen Login' tab on the home page.
STEP 2 - Click on 'Please Register Here' for a new user and enter the full name as per Aadhaar, gender, date of birth, Aadhaar number, email ID, caste and other required details, then click on 'Register'.
STEP 3 - After registration, log in with the user ID and password.
STEP 4 - Open 'User Profile', fill all mandatory fields and click on 'Update'.
STEP 5 - Select the Dr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Stipend to Scheduled Caste Lawyers from the scheme list on the home page and the application form will open.
STEP 6 - Fill all mandatory details in the form, upload the required documents, agree to the terms and conditions, and click on 'Save Application'.
STEP 7 - Submit the application, take a printout and note down the application number to track the status later by logging into the portal.
Offline
Applicants can also apply offline through the District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare office. Steps to apply offline:
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest District Deputy Director office for Scheduled Caste Welfare and collect the application form, or download it from the official department website.
STEP 2 - Fill the form, paste a passport-size photograph and attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled and signed form along with the documents to the concerned authority in the office.
STEP 4 - Take a receipt or acknowledgment from the office for future reference.
Documents
Documents required for the junior lawyer:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Caste certificate.
- School leaving certificate.
- LLB mark sheet or passing certificate.
- Bar Council enrollment certificate and number.
- Proof of residency such as electricity bill, ration card or rent agreement.
- Bar Council identity card.
- Copy of bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
Documents required for the senior lawyer:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bar Council enrollment and identity proof.
- Evidence showing at least 10 years of practice.
- A written record of the number of junior lawyers currently under training.
- A signed consent form for the training program.
- Copy of bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
References
Official Department Website | e-Samaj Kalyan Portal | Download Application Form | Consent Form for Senior Lawyer | Citizen Help Manual
FAQ's
Who qualifies for this financial support?
Law graduates from the scheduled caste category and the senior lawyers who provide them with professional training are eligible.
How long can I receive the stipend?
The financial stipend is provided for a duration of three years.
What is the stipend breakdown?
The first year provides ₹1,000 per month, the second year offers ₹800, and the third year provides ₹600. Additionally, the senior lawyer receives ₹500 per month for training.
Is there an income cap to apply?
No, there is no income limit set for this scheme.
What if I have already received these benefits once?
This scheme is a one-time benefit provided to each individual.
How can I track my application?
You can track your application status by logging into the e-Samaj Kalyan portal using your registered credentials.