The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Sanitary Marts Scheme, a contributory loan program that offers financial support for the establishment of Sanitary Marts, empowering Safai Karamchari, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents. These stores provide as a one-stop shop for goods related to hygiene and sanitation. Through the provision of sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions, the program seeks to raise the target group’s income levels while also supporting the sanitation industry.
The maximum loan amount under this program is ₹15.00 lakh, and qualified people and self-help organizations may get up to 90% of the entire cost of opening a Sanitary Mart.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Loan Facility:
- 90% loan for setting up a Sanitary Mart with a maximum of ₹15.00 lakh.
- Interest Rate:
- The interest rate on the loan will not exceed 4% per annum, with additional rebates:
- 1% p.a. rebate for women beneficiaries.
- 0.50% rebate for timely repayments.
- The interest rate on the loan will not exceed 4% per annum, with additional rebates:
- Promoter Contribution:
- The beneficiaries must contribute 10% of the total cost for setting up the Sanitary Mart.
- Repayment Period:
- Loans are required to be repaid within 10 years in quarterly installments.
- Moratorium Period:
- A 6-month moratorium period, in addition to the 4-month implementation period, will be allowed.
Eligibility Criteria
The following groups are eligible to avail financial assistance:
- Safai Karamcharis and Waste Pickers:
- Identified manual scavengers, their dependents, and waste pickers are eligible.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
- SHGs of Safai Karamcharis, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) or Cooperatives:
- Legally constituted cooperatives or firms promoted by the target group.
- Certifying Authority:
- A certificate from the local Revenue Officer, Municipal Officer, or equivalent authorities is required for verification.
- Exclusions:
- Domestic Workers are not eligible for the scheme.
Application Process (Online & Offline)
Online Application:
- Visit the Official Portal:
- Go to the official portal of NSKFDC and click on the ‘Registration’ section.
- Fill the Registration Form:
- Complete the registration form with all the required details and submit it.
- Application Review:
- Applications are reviewed by the District Offices of SCAs, RRBs, and Nationalized Banks.
- Approval and Sanctioning:
- After appraising the project, the proposals are sent for approval by NSKFDC. Once approved, a sanction letter is issued, and funds are disbursed.
Offline Application:
- District Offices of SCAs or NSKFDC also accept offline applications.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (optional but recommended)
- Occupation Certificate (issued by local authority or municipal body)
- Bank Account Passbook
- Self-Declaration for Income Proof (if required)
- Photograph (passport-sized)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the moratorium period?
- The moratorium period is the time allowed before repayments start. It includes a 6-month grace period after the 4-month implementation period.
- Does the scheme provide loans to all unorganized workers?
- No, the scheme specifically supports Safai Karamcharis, Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers, and their dependents.
- Is there any income limit for eligibility?
- No specific income limit; however, beneficiaries must fall under the Safai Karamchari, Manual Scavenger, or Waste Picker category.
- I am a Domestic Worker, am I eligible for the scheme?
- Domestic workers are excluded from the scheme.
- I am a Waste Picker, am I eligible for the scheme?
- Yes, Waste Pickers are eligible as part of the target group.