The Barbershop Renovation Grant is a welfare scheme launched by the Backward Communities Development Department (BCDD), Government of Kerala, to assist traditional barbers from Other Backward Communities (OBC). The scheme aims to improve the working conditions, hygiene, and infrastructure of barbershops in rural Kerala and uplift the dignity and standard of living of professionals in this sector.
Benefits
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Maximum grant: ₹25,000 per beneficiary
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50% of the project cost reimbursed, subject to the above ceiling
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Usage of grant:
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Purchase of instruments and furniture
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Purchase of sterilizers, germ killers, disposable towels
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General hygiene improvement and modernization
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Disbursement pattern:
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If total cost ≤ ₹10,000 → Single installment
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If total cost > ₹10,000 → Two installments (60% initially, 40% after completion and verification)
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Eligibility
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Must be a permanent resident of Kerala
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Belong to State OBC community
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Must be a traditional barber
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Shop must be located in rural area
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Annual family income must not exceed ₹1,00,000
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Minimum of 10 years’ experience and currently engaged in the profession
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Age limit: Not more than 60 years
Preferences Given To:
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Barbers working in rural areas
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Physically challenged applicants
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Shops with < 3 seats
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Applicants registered under LSGDs
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Applicants having two daughters
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Self-employed barbers
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Only one beneficiary per Panchayat
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Max 1000 beneficiaries if applications exceed that number
Parameters for Selection (Max: 100 Marks)
| Sl. No. | Parameter | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BPL family (as per State criteria) | 20 |
| 2 | Two daughters | 10 |
| 3 | More than two daughters | 20 |
| 4 | Shops with <3 seats | 20 |
| 5 | Differently abled | 20 |
| 6 | 10–15 years experience | 6 |
| 7 | 15–20 years experience | 8 |
| 8 | Above 20 years experience | 10 |
Note: If multiple applicants score the same, the one with lower annual family income gets preference.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
Step 1: Applications are invited by Local Self Governments (LSGD)
Step 2: Submit filled application with documents to the concerned Grama Panchayat
Selection Process:
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Applications scrutinized and forwarded to Regional Deputy Directors of BCDD
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Seniority list prepared by Grama Panchayat based on selection parameters
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Eligible candidates submit supporting documents to Regional Deputy Director
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Selected applicants sign an agreement on ₹100 stamp paper
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First installment (60%) disbursed
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Work to be completed within 1 month of receiving 1st installment
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Final installment (40%) released after verification
Address for Application Submission:
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Trivandrum to Ernakulam:
Regional Deputy Director,
BCDD, Civil Station, 2nd Floor, Kakkanad, Ernakulam – 682030 -
Thrissur to Kasargod:
Regional Deputy Director,
BCDD, Civil Station, Kozhikode – 673020
Documents Required
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Applicant’s passport-size photo
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Photo of the barbershop
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Caste certificate
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Income certificate
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Experience certificate (from LSGD President/Secretary)
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Ration card copy
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Identity proof
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Aadhaar card
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Shop ownership certificate or rental agreement
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Bank account details
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LSGD registration certificate, if applicable
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Disability certificate, if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Who is eligible for this scheme?
Traditional barbers from OBC in Kerala, with low income and rural shop setup -
Q: What is the maximum financial assistance?
₹25,000 or 50% of total renovation cost, whichever is lower -
Q: Can the grant be used for hygiene equipment?
Yes, including sterilizers and disposable items -
Q: Is there preference given to certain applicants?
Yes, especially those with disabilities, two daughters, or smaller shops