AI SummaryWest Bengal Transport Department is running Gatidhara Scheme in 2026 for unemployed youth who want to buy a commercial vehicle and start their own transport work. Eligible applicants get a 30% subsidy on the ex-showroom price of the vehicle, capped at ₹1 lakh for general applicants and ₹1.5 lakh for women.
Gatidhara Scheme started in August 2014 under the state Transport Department and is still active in 2026. Registered unemployed youth from both urban and rural parts of Bengal can apply through the Employment Bank and a listed vehicle dealer. Family monthly income must be ₹25,000 or less.
Gatidhara Scheme 2026 Overview
Gatidhara Scheme helps unemployed youth in Bengal turn a commercial vehicle into a source of regular income. Instead of giving cash in hand, the state pays a subsidy on the vehicle price and links the buyer to a loan through banks and NBFCs.
Transport Department handles the permit and interview part, while the Labour Department manages the Employment Bank registration side. West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL) is the main agency running the scheme on ground. Buyers can pick a taxi, small goods vehicle, auto, or any other permitted commercial vehicle from a listed dealer.
Extra Support for Women in 2026
Under Gatidhara Scheme, women applicants get a higher subsidy of ₹1.5 lakh instead of the usual ₹1 lakh cap. So a woman buying a commercial vehicle gets 30% off the ex-showroom price, up to ₹1.5 lakh from the state. This is a special push to bring more women drivers and small transport owners into the sector.
Gatidhara Scheme Highlights 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Gatidhara Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Nodal Department | Transport Department |
| Implementing Agency | West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL) |
| Launch Year | August 2014 |
| Eligible People | Unemployed youth in West Bengal, 20 to 45 years |
| Family Income Limit | ₹25,000 per month or less |
| Subsidy | 30% of ex-showroom price, up to ₹1 lakh (₹1.5 lakh for women) |
| Application Mode | Employment Bank registration + through listed vehicle dealer |
| Official Website | employmentbankwb.gov.in / wb.gov.in |
How to Apply for Gatidhara Scheme 2026
Applying for Gatidhara Scheme is a two-part process. First, the applicant has to register in the Employment Bank of West Bengal. Then the actual scheme application goes through a listed vehicle dealer, who is an authorised facilitator for the scheme.
STEP 1 - Go to the Employment Bank official website at employmentbankwb.gov.in and click on the 'New Enrolment Job Seeker' option on the home page. Accept the terms and fill in your personal details, education details, and contact details to complete the enrolment.
STEP 2 - Note down your Employment Bank enrolment number after registration. This number is checked at the time of scheme application, so keep the print or PDF copy safe.
STEP 3 - Pick a commercial vehicle model (taxi, small goods carrier, auto, etc.) from a dealer that is listed as an authorised facilitator under Gatidhara Scheme. The dealer will guide on which models are covered.
STEP 4 - Submit your application form along with all required documents at the dealer's office. The dealer forwards the file to the Transport Department for interview and subsidy approval, and to a listed financier (bank or NBFC) for the loan part.
STEP 5 - After the offer letter for permit and subsidy is issued, register the vehicle within one month. The subsidy amount is released to the financier and adjusted against the loan.
Gatidhara Scheme Eligibility 2026
Only unemployed youth from West Bengal who match certain age and income limits can apply. Below is the basic list of who can apply.
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal with valid address proof like Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Ration Card.
- Age should be between 20 and 45 years. Age relaxation of 3 years is given to OBC and 5 years to SC/ST applicants.
- Applicant must be enrolled in the Employment Bank of the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal.
- Total family monthly income should not be more than ₹25,000. Only one member per family can apply.
- Applicant should not already own a commercial vehicle in their name.
For example, if Ramesh earns ₹15,000 and his father earns ₹12,000, the total family income is ₹27,000 per month, which is above the limit. In that case Ramesh is not eligible under Gatidhara Scheme.
Subsidy and Loan Benefits
Gatidhara Scheme covers a big part of the vehicle cost, and the rest is managed through a bank loan at normal commercial vehicle rates. The subsidy part is a straight support from the state and does not have to be paid back.
Under the scheme, general applicants get 30% of the ex-showroom price as subsidy, capped at ₹1 lakh. Women applicants get the same 30% but with a higher cap of ₹1.5 lakh. Buyers can take a loan from nationalised banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, or listed NBFCs for the balance amount. Scheme beneficiaries also get preference in getting commercial permits from the Transport Department.
Documents Required for Gatidhara Scheme
Keep the following documents ready before starting the application at the dealer's office. Missing papers are the most common reason for delay in approval.
- Family Income Certificate from the local authority showing monthly income under ₹25,000.
- Proof of enrolment in the West Bengal Employment Bank (enrolment number and print copy).
- Age proof like Birth Certificate, Class 10 marksheet, or Aadhaar Card.
- Residential proof of West Bengal such as Voter ID, Ration Card, or Aadhaar with local address.
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID) and a recent passport size photograph.
- Bank passbook copy or cancelled cheque for the account where the loan will run.
- Caste certificate for SC, ST, or OBC applicants who are claiming age relaxation.
Other Similar Schemes in West Bengal
Bengal has a few more support schemes for unemployed youth and self-employment that pair well with Gatidhara. Applicants can also check Karma Sathi Prakalpa Scheme for a soft loan up to ₹2 lakh for setting up own business, and Bhorsa Karmasathi Scheme which gives ₹3,000 per month to unemployed youth. Registered youth in the Employment Bank can apply under more than one scheme if they match the eligibility.
References
FAQ's
Is Gatidhara Scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, Gatidhara Scheme is still running in 2026 under West Bengal Transport Department. Registered unemployed youth can apply through the Employment Bank and a listed vehicle dealer.
How much subsidy is given under Gatidhara Scheme?
Applicants get 30% of the ex-showroom price of the commercial vehicle as subsidy. The cap is ₹1 lakh for general applicants and ₹1.5 lakh for women applicants.
Who can apply for Gatidhara Scheme?
Unemployed youth of West Bengal aged 20 to 45 years (with age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC) whose family monthly income is ₹25,000 or less. Employment Bank registration is a must.
Is Employment Bank registration must for Gatidhara?
Yes. Without Employment Bank enrolment, the application is not accepted. Register at employmentbankwb.gov.in using the New Enrolment Job Seeker option.
Can two members of the same family apply?
No. Only one member per family can get the subsidy under Gatidhara Scheme.
Which vehicles are covered under the scheme?
Commercial vehicles like taxis, small goods carriers, autos, and other permitted transport vehicles are covered. The listed dealer will confirm the exact models eligible for subsidy.
Do women get any extra benefit under Gatidhara Scheme?
Yes, women applicants get a higher subsidy cap of ₹1.5 lakh compared to ₹1 lakh for general applicants. This is to bring more women into the transport sector.
How long does it take to get the subsidy?
After the offer letter for permit and subsidy is issued, the applicant must register the vehicle within one month. The subsidy is then paid to the financier and adjusted in the loan account.
Is there any application fee for Gatidhara Scheme?
No. Registration in Employment Bank and application under Gatidhara Scheme is free. Applicants should avoid agents or middlemen who ask for money to get the subsidy approved.