The Dalit Bandhu Scheme is a transformative initiative launched by the Government of Telangana aimed at promoting the economic development of Scheduled Caste (SC) families. This scheme provides a one-time capital assistance of Rs. 10 lakhs to eligible SC families, enabling them to start their own businesses or entrepreneurial ventures without the need for bank loans. By empowering marginalized communities, the scheme seeks to reduce poverty, promote self-reliance, and foster inclusive growth across the state.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- Each eligible SC family receives a one-time grant of Rs. 10 lakhs to establish income-generating ventures.
- Employment Opportunities:
- The initiative encourages entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities within the community.
- Inclusive Growth:
- By reducing economic disparities, the scheme helps integrate marginalized SC families into mainstream economic development.
- Empowerment:
- Provides SC families with the financial backing and training support to become self-reliant and independent.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Dalit Bandhu Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Community:
- The scheme is exclusively for families belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- Residency:
- The applicant must be a resident of Telangana.
- Income:
- Annual family income should be less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
- Asset Ownership:
- The family should not own more than 3 acres of agricultural land or more than one residential house.
- Previous Assistance:
- The applicant should not have availed of any other government loan or subsidy.
- Entrepreneurial Viability:
- A viable business plan or entrepreneurial idea is required.
- Contribution:
- The applicant must be willing to contribute 10% of the project cost.
- Banking & Digital Identity:
- A bank account and a digital identity (e.g., Aadhaar card) are mandatory.
- Age & Education:
- The applicant should be between 25 and 50 years of age and have passed at least the 10th standard.
- Clean Record:
- The applicant should not have a criminal record.
Additionally, the eligibility survey conducted by the Telangana Dalit Bandhu Corporation will consider factors like land holdings, savings, liabilities, education, skills, and employment status. Importantly, eligibility is determined based on the socio-economic conditions of the families, rather than solely on caste certificates.
Exclusions
- Families with annual incomes above Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
- Non-SC families.
- Families who have already availed other government loans or subsidies.
- Applicants with a criminal record.
- Families owning more than 3 acres of agricultural land or more than one residential house.
- Families with members holding professional degrees (e.g., engineering or medicine).
Application Process
Offline Process:
- Form Download:
- Eligible applicants can download the application form from the Telangana State Scheduled Castes Development Corporation (TSSCDC) website.
- Form Submission:
- Complete the form and submit it along with the required documents to the TSSCDC office in the applicant’s district.
- Verification:
- The TSSCDC will verify the submitted application and conduct a feasibility study of the proposed business or entrepreneurial venture.
- Grant Approval & Disbursement:
- Upon successful verification, the grant is approved and funds are directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account.
- Training & Monitoring:
- Beneficiaries will also receive training in financial management and entrepreneurship, and will be required to submit periodic progress reports.
For more details and updates, visit the official Dalit Bandhu website: Dalit Bandhu Portal.
Documents Required
- Caste Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Proof of Residence
- Bank Account Details
- Valid Mobile Number
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible for the scheme?
- The scheme is for SC families in Telangana with an annual income of less than Rs. 2.5 lakhs, meeting specified asset and educational criteria.
- What financial assistance is provided?
- Eligible families receive a one-time grant of Rs. 10 lakhs to start their own businesses or ventures.
- How is the scheme implemented?
- The Telangana Dalit Bandhu Corporation conducts a socio-economic survey to identify beneficiaries and provides the grant along with training and support.
- Is the scheme limited to a particular caste?
- Yes, the scheme is exclusively for families belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.
- Is the scheme available only in Telangana?
- Yes, it is a state-specific initiative for Telangana.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Applicants must provide a caste certificate, Aadhaar card, Voter ID, residence proof, bank details, and a valid mobile number.
- Does a Dalit family have to repay the Rs. 10 lakh grant?
- No, the grant is provided as a 100% subsidy without any bank loan linkage.