The “Micro Credit Finance” scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, and funded by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC). It is designed to uplift economically disadvantaged Charmakars (including Dhor, Chambhar, Holar, Mochi, etc.) who are below the poverty line by improving their educational, economic, and social status. The scheme supports the production of footwear and leather articles for both government supply and open market sales.
Key Benefits
- Financial Support: Loans ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 to invest in income-generating activities.
- Low Interest Rate: 5% per annum, making repayment easier.
- Subsidy: An additional subsidy of ₹10,000 is provided to reduce the financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Belong to the Charmakar Community.
- Be between 18 to 50 years of age.
- Be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Be able to provide an Income and Caste Certificate issued by an authorized government officer.
- Have knowledge of the business for which they are applying for the loan.
- Income Criteria:
- For the 50% Subsidy Scheme and Margin Money, the annual income must be below the poverty line.
- For the NSFDC Scheme, the annual income should be below ₹98,000 for rural areas and below ₹1,20,000 for urban areas.
Application Process (Offline)
- Collect the Application Form:
Visit the District Office of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) during office hours to request the prescribed application form. - Complete the Form:
Fill in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and include copies of all required documents (self-attested if needed). - Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the concerned authority within the prescribed period. - Obtain a Receipt:
Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Passport-sized photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate
- Residence proof
- Bank passbook/bank details
- Any other documents as required by the authority
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Micro Credit Finance Scheme?
It is a scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged Charmakars below the poverty line for income-generating activities. - Who can apply for this scheme?
Applicants must belong to the Charmakar Community and be categorized as BPL. - What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years of age. - What is the maximum loan amount available under this scheme?
The loan amount ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000. - What is the interest rate for the loans?
The loans carry an interest rate of 5% per annum. - Is there a subsidy provided under this scheme?
Yes, a subsidy of ₹10,000 is provided to help reduce the financial burden. - What is the income criteria for applicants?
Applicants must be below the poverty line, with specific income thresholds of ₹98,000 for rural areas and ₹1,20,000 for urban areas under the NSFDC scheme. - Where can I apply for the scheme?
Applications can be submitted at the District Office of LIDCOM. - What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include a passport-sized photograph, Aadhaar Card, income certificate, caste certificate, residence proof, bank passbook/bank details, and any additional documents as specified. - Can the loan be used for any type of business?
The loan is intended for income-generating activities, including the production of footwear and leather articles for government supply and market sales.