The Financial Assistance to Self-Employment for Trained Disabled Persons scheme is an initiative by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra. The scheme is designed to empower persons with disabilities by facilitating the purchase of essential equipment or tool kits needed to start their own business after completing vocational training. This 100% state-funded program is exclusively available to permanent residents of Maharashtra.
Benefits
- Financial Support:
- A direct financial assistance of ₹1,000 is provided for the purchase of tool kits or equipment needed to start a business.
- Empowerment:
- Helps trained disabled persons transition into self-employment, fostering economic independence and entrepreneurship.
- 100% State-Funded:
- The scheme is completely funded by the Government of Maharashtra, ensuring no out-of-pocket expense for eligible beneficiaries.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Vocational Training:
- The applicant must have completed vocational training at a government or government-recognized institution.
- Citizenship & Residency:
- Must be a citizen of India and a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Disability:
- The applicant should be a person with a disability (e.g., visually handicapped, low vision, hearing impaired, orthopedically handicapped, etc.) with a minimum disability percentage of 40% (as per the disability certificate).
- No Income/Other Assistance Requirements:
- There is no specified income criterion, but the focus is on enabling those without regular income to start their own business.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Visit the District Social Welfare Office:
- Request a hard copy of the application form for the scheme from the concerned authority.
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete the application form by filling in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across), and include all required self-attested documents.
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Assistant Commissioner at the District Social Welfare Office.
- Receipt:
- Acquire a receipt or acknowledgment confirming the successful submission of the application form.
Documents Required
- Proposal:
- A proposal outlining the proposed project along with the estimated project cost.
- Proof of Vocational Training:
- Certificate or proof confirming the completion of vocational training from a government or government-recognized institution.
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Age:
- Birth Certificate, or Marksheet of Class 10th/12th, etc.
- Photographs:
- Two passport-sized photographs (signed across).
- Residential Certificate/Domicile Certificate:
- Proof of being a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Disability Certificate
- Bank Account Details:
- Document specifying Bank Name, Branch Name, Address, IFSC Code, etc.
- Additional Documents:
- Any other document required by the District Social Welfare Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the objectives of this scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to empower disabled persons by providing financial assistance to purchase equipment or tool kits that facilitate self-employment after vocational training.
Q2: For what purposes can the financial assistance be utilized?
A2: The assistance can be used to purchase tool kits or equipment required to start a small-scale business or venture.
Q3: What is the maximum amount of financial assistance available under this scheme?
A3: The scheme provides a maximum financial assistance of ₹1,000 per beneficiary.
Q4: Who are the target beneficiaries of this scheme?
A4: The scheme targets persons with disabilities who have completed vocational training from government or recognized institutions and are permanent residents of Maharashtra.
Q5: Are there any eligibility criteria regarding the percentage of disability?
A5: Yes, applicants must have a disability of 40% or above as verified by a valid disability certificate.
Q6: Are orthopedically handicapped persons also covered under this scheme?
A6: Yes, the scheme is applicable to all persons with disabilities, including those who are orthopedically handicapped, as long as the disability percentage is 40% or above.
Q7: Is a Residential Certificate/Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra a mandatory document for this scheme?
A7: Yes, proof of residency in Maharashtra is mandatory for eligibility.
Q8: Can I reapply if I am already availing benefits from this scheme?
A8: Generally, beneficiaries who have already received the assistance are not eligible for reapplication. Please refer to the scheme guidelines for specific details on reapplication criteria.
Q9: What is the full form of SJSA?
A9: SJSA stands for the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance.
Q10: Is this a state-funded or centrally funded scheme?
A10: This is a 100% state-funded scheme by the Government of Maharashtra.
Q11: Is there any application fee?
A11: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.
Q12: Is there any compensation for delay in the disbursal of scheme benefits?
A12: Any compensation for delays, if applicable, would be detailed in the scheme guidelines. Please refer to those for specific information.
Q13: How do I know if a field in the application form is mandatory?
A13: Mandatory fields are typically marked with a red asterisk on the application form.
Q14: Can applicants from neighboring states (e.g., Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana) apply?
A14: No, only permanent residents of Maharashtra are eligible to apply for this scheme.
Q15: Where can I find the official website of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance?
A15: The official website URL is provided in the scheme guidelines or can be obtained from local District Social Welfare Offices.
Q16: Where can I find the link to the scheme guidelines?
A16: The scheme guidelines are available on the official website of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance.
Q17: What is the address of the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra?
A17: The address is available in the official scheme documentation and can be obtained from District Social Welfare Offices.
Q18: Where can I find the addresses of the District Social Welfare Offices?
A18: These addresses are provided in the scheme guidelines and on the official website of the Department.
Q19: Where can I post my grievances related to this scheme?
A19: Grievances can be submitted through the designated grievance redressal channels mentioned in the scheme guidelines.
Q20: Is there an income-related criterion for this scheme?
A20: There is no specific income-related criterion mentioned; the focus is on empowering trained disabled persons through financial assistance for self-employment.
Q21: Is the application form available online?
A21: Currently, the application form is distributed in hard copy at District Social Welfare Offices.