Launched in 1973 by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat, this scheme is designed to support law graduates from Scheduled Caste communities who intend to start an independent legal practice. The scheme offers financial assistance for purchasing business premises or shops, thereby aiding these graduates in establishing their legal careers.
Benefits
- Total Financial Assistance:
A total of ₹12,000 is provided to eligible applicants.- Loan Component:
₹7,000 is offered as an interest-bearing loan at 4% per annum. - Subsidy Component:
₹5,000 is provided as a subsidy.
- Loan Component:
Eligibility
- Educational Qualification:
The applicant must be a law graduate. - Caste:
The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste category. - Residency:
Only natives of Gujarat are eligible. - Income Criteria:
The annual family income should not exceed ₹6,00,000 for both rural and urban areas. - Bar Council Registration:
Applicants must attach an attested copy of the registration certificate from the Bar Council, along with the registration number and date received. - Purpose:
The financial assistance is intended for purchasing business premises/shops for starting an independent legal practice.
Application Process
Online / Offline via the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
- Visit the Portal:
Navigate to https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/. - Registration:
- Under ‘Citizen Login’, click on “Please Register Here.”
- Fill in your Full Name (as per Aadhaar), Gender, Date of Birth, Aadhaar Card Number, Email ID, Caste, etc., then click “Register.”
- Login:
- After registration, log in using your User ID and Password.
- Click on “User Profile” and update your details.
- Application Submission:
- Select the scheme from the home page; an application form will open.
- Complete the form by filling in all mandatory details and upload all the relevant documents.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions and click on “Save Application.”
- Submit the form and print a copy for your future reference. Retain your application number for tracking.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof:
Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License. - Caste Certificate:
Issued by the competent authority. - Proof of Annual Income:
Income certificate or related documents. - Proof of Residence:
Any one of an Electricity Bill, License, Rent Agreement, Electoral Card, or Ration Card. - Bar Council Registration:
Receipt of registration copy/fee payment from the Bar Council, including the registration number and date. - Other Documents:
- Passport-size photograph.
- Rent slip of office premises for one year.
- Certificate of class and marks obtained in the examination.
- Certificate of legal experience (if applicable).
- Copy of the first page of the Bank Passbook or a cancelled cheque.
- Any other documents as required by the scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the scheme launched?
The scheme was launched in 1973. - What does the scheme provide?
It provides financial assistance of ₹12,000, split into a ₹7,000 loan (at 4% interest) and a ₹5,000 subsidy for purchasing business premises or shops for establishing an independent legal practice. - What are the benefits of the scheme?
The scheme offers a combination of loan and subsidy to help law graduates from Scheduled Caste communities start their own legal practice. - How is the loan amount utilized?
The loan is intended for purchasing business premises or shops necessary for setting up an independent legal practice. - Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Law graduates belonging to the Scheduled Caste category who are natives of Gujarat with an annual family income not exceeding ₹6,00,000. - Where can eligible applicants apply for this scheme?
Applications can be submitted online or offline through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal. - Can individuals from other states apply for this scheme?
No, the scheme is exclusively for natives of Gujarat.