The Jagananna Thodu Scheme is an initiative by the Government of Andhra Pradesh aimed at reducing the financial hardship faced by hawkers, street vendors, and artisans—particularly those involved in traditional handicrafts—by providing them with interest-free (Sunna Vaddi) loans for business start-ups. The scheme focuses on helping these individuals avoid usurious loans by offering up to ₹10,000/- in financial assistance. It targets those who need daily working capital and have limited income and land holdings, ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- Up to ₹10,000/- provided at 0% interest (Sunna Vaddi).
- Subsidy Components:
- Maun Boxes: Financial aid for distribution of Maun boxes is provided with 50% of the aid amount payable for the Maun colonies.
- Training Support:
- 7 days of beekeeping training are provided with 100% financial assistance.
- Training expenses include ₹350 per trainee for one week’s training plus an additional ₹700 transferred directly to the trainer’s account, totaling ₹1050 per trainee.
- Housing Assistance for Maun House Descendants:
- Up to 10 individuals may receive assistance at ₹800 per person.
Note: These benefits are aimed at connecting more unemployed youth with beekeeping, thereby boosting honey production and reducing rural migration.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Jagananna Thodu Scheme, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh.
- Have a monthly income of less than ₹10,000/- (in rural areas) or less than ₹12,000/- (in urban areas).
- Possess land holdings within the following limits:
- Less than 3 acres of wetland, or
- Less than 10 acres of dry land, or
- Less than 10 acres combined (wet and dry).
- Not own a shop with a built-up area greater than 5 x 5 sq. ft.
- Be above 18 years of age.
- (Additional criteria may apply based on specific training or business categories.)
Application Process
Online Process via the Citizen Schemes Portal
- Login/Registration:
- Visit the Citizen Schemes Portal and log in using Aadhaar-tagged mobile OTP authentication.
- Select Scheme:
- From the “Citizen Scheme Application” page, select “Jagananna Thodu” from the schemes dropdown and click “Submit”.
- Application Submission:
- Follow the subsequent steps:
- Fill out the application form with all mandatory details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit your application.
- Follow the subsequent steps:
- Processing & Verification:
- Applications are forwarded to the Welfare and Education Assistant (WEA) or Ward Welfare and Development Secretary (WWDS).
- Field verification is conducted by Volunteers/WEAs/WWDS using eKYC (biometric authentication).
- Recommendations are forwarded to the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) or Municipal Commissioner (MC), then reviewed by the Executive Director of the Backward Classes Welfare Department (ED BC).
- Provisional eligible and reverification lists are published, and grievances can be raised if necessary.
- Disbursement:
- The scheme benefit is disbursed through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), and beneficiaries can track their payment status on the portal.
Documents Required
- Domicile/Residential Certificate of Andhra Pradesh.
- Proof of Identity: (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Government-issued ID)
- Income Certificate
- BPL Certificate
- Proof of Land Holding: (Registered sale agreement, patta, Chitta for own land or Registered lease agreement)
- Business Location Details: (Indicating whether the business is fixed or wandering)
- Bank Account Details: (Copy of bank passbook showing bank name, branch, IFSC, etc.)
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Any other documents as required by the scheme guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which department manages the “Jagananna Thodu” Scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Department of Grama Volunteers/Ward Volunteers & Village Secretariats, Government of Andhra Pradesh. -
What is the maximum financial assistance provided?
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹10,000/- at 0% interest. -
What does “Sunna Vaddi” mean?
“Sunna Vaddi” refers to the 0% interest rate applicable under this scheme. -
Can residents from Telangana apply?
No, the scheme is only available to permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh. -
What are the age criteria?
Applicants must be above 18 years of age. -
Can more than one person from the same family avail benefits?
Only one person per family is eligible to apply. -
What documents are mandatory?
Mandatory documents include a domicile certificate, proof of identity, income and BPL certificates, land holding proof, bank account details, and a passport-sized photograph. -
Where can I find the Government Order and SOP?
The Government Order, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and Operational Guidelines can be found on the official website of the scheme. -
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee as the scheme is fully state-funded. -
How do I apply for the scheme?
Applications are submitted online via the Citizen Schemes Portal following the detailed steps provided. -
Can I track my application status?
Yes, beneficiaries can track their payment status on the Citizen Schemes Portal under “Track Application Status.”