Goa Tribal's Employment Generation Programme Scheme

Goa Tribal's Employment Generation Programme Scheme helps educated unemployed tribal people in Goa start their own business by offering a 40% subsidy on project loans that cover up to 95% of the total project cost. The scheme is open to tribal individuals aged 18 to 45 who want to set up micro-manufacturing, service or trade units in the state.

Goa government continues to run this welfare scheme through the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (GSSTFDC). Once a loan is approved, the applicant has to complete a compulsory entrepreneurship training of up to seven days within six months of sanction.

Goa Tribal's Employment Generation Programme Scheme - Introduction

Goa Tribal's Employment Generation Programme Scheme acts as a stepping stone for educated unemployed tribal individuals aged 18 to 45 who live in Goa. By offering a subsidy of 40% on loans covering up to 95% of project costs, the scheme helps a person jumpstart a career in micro-manufacturing, services or trade.

The main department running the scheme is the Social Welfare Department, and it is implemented by EDC and GSSTFDC. The scheme is a state-level programme meant only for individual applicants who belong to the notified tribal communities of Goa such as Gauda, Kunbi and Velip.

Benefits

This scheme offers strong financial support to boost a business venture. The loan carries a low interest rate of 2% per annum with no penal charges for late payment, which keeps the repayment burden light for the borrower.

Depending on the type of activity, the maximum project cost and working capital limit change. The applicant has to bring in a minimum promoter contribution of 5% of the total project cost.

Loan repayment is flexible and spans 60 to 120 EMIs with an initial moratorium period of 3 to 6 months. The subsidy amount works out to about 38% of the project cost and does not have to be repaid, although it is recoverable proportionately in case of default.

If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the amount is recovered as arrears of land revenue under the Public Money Recovery Act or through the Debt Recovery Tribunal. EDC manages these accounts with structured service charges.

Eligibility

To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria:

• Be an educated unemployed individual aged between 18 and 45 years.
• Hold a valid caste certificate as a member of a notified tribal community in Goa, such as Gauda, Kunbi or Velip.
• Have been a permanent resident of Goa for at least 15 years.
• Have passed at least Class 4th, with exceptions made for deserving candidates.
• Make sure not to be a current loan defaulter with any bank or financial institution.
• Focus on approved activities like manufacturing, service or trade, excluding farming, tobacco products and red-category industries.

Exclusions

A person is not eligible for this scheme if currently a defaulter on any previous loans with banks or financial institutions. The CIBIL report of the applicant should also be satisfactory for the loan to be sanctioned.

Application Process

Applying for the scheme is a straightforward process. The applicant can either visit the department office or use the Goa MSME Unified Digital Platform (UDP) to download the form and show interest. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Visit the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa, located at Shram Shakti Bhavan, 5th Floor, Patto, Panaji-Goa 403 001, or log in to the Goa MSME UDP website.

STEP 2 - Obtain the application form either from the office or by downloading it from the official portal.

STEP 3 - Fill in all mandatory fields with personal details, attach a signed passport-sized photograph, and make sure all required documents are self-attested.

STEP 4 - Submit the completed application in duplicate to the relevant authority for processing and wait for scrutiny by the GTEGP Task Force Committee.

Documents

Applicants should provide two sets of the following documents to support the loan request:

Personal Documents: Two recent photos, birth certificate, valid caste certificate, school leaving certificate, 15-year residency proof, house tax receipts, EPIC/UID cards, and PAN cards for both the borrower and the guarantor.

Business Documents: Detailed project report, price quotations for all assets and stock, business registration, NOCs from Panchayat or Municipality, and proof of electricity or water connection.

Legal Requirements: Self-declaration forms and a stamped NOC (₹ 50) from the owner of the premises where the business will operate.

References

Guidelines (EDC) | Application Form | Official Scheme Page (MSME Goa)

FAQ's

Can I apply for multiple types of business activities?

The scheme allows the applicant to select one specific category, Manufacturing, Service or Trade, that best suits the business plan.

What is the repayment procedure?

The loan can be repaid in 60 to 120 EMIs. Repayment issues are handled through standard legal channels like the Debt Recovery Tribunal or as arrears of land revenue.

What training is provided?

The applicant must complete a required 7-day entrepreneurship training program within six months of loan sanction to run the business operations well.

What if I am looking to start an agricultural produce business?

Trade enterprises focusing on agricultural produce are entitled to a higher working capital limit of 100%.

Are there any charges for EDC services?

Yes, a service charge is applicable on disbursements, along with a 1% administration fee deducted from the annual 2% interest payment.