The “Swarnima” scheme, administered by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, is jointly funded by the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBFC) and the State Corporation. It aims to support self-employment activities and enhance financial independence by providing low-interest loans directly into the bank accounts of female beneficiaries from the Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Key Benefits
- Financial Assistance: Up to ₹5,00,000 per Self-Help Group (SHG) project, with ₹25,000 allocated per beneficiary (for up to 20 members per SHG).
- Funding Shares: 95% funded by the Central Corporation and 5% by the State Corporation.
- No Beneficiary Contribution: Beneficiaries are not required to contribute financially.
- Low Interest Rate: Loans are provided at a rate of 5% per annum.
- Repayment Period: Up to 3 years, easing financial planning.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Belong to the Other Backward Class (OBC) category.
- Be a domicile of Maharashtra.
- Be between 18 to 50 years of age.
- Have a family annual income that meets the following criteria:
- Rural Areas: Less than or equal to ₹98,000.
- Urban Areas: Less than or equal to ₹1,20,000.
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 a hard copy of 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 necessary documents (self-attested if required). - Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required 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
- Aadhaar Card.
- Two passport-sized photographs (signed across).
- Residential Certificate / Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra.
- Details of the Bank Account (Bank Name, Branch Name, Address, IFSC, etc.).
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, Class 10th/12th Marksheet, etc.).
- Any additional documents required by the District Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main purpose of the Swarnima Scheme?
To support self-employment among OBC women by providing low-interest loans, thereby promoting financial independence. - Who is eligible to apply for the Swarnima Scheme?
Female beneficiaries from the OBC category who are domiciled in Maharashtra and meet the age and income criteria. - What is the maximum loan amount available under the Swarnima Scheme?
Up to ₹5,00,000 per Self-Help Group (SHG) project, with ₹25,000 per beneficiary (for up to 20 members). - What is the rate of interest on loans provided under this scheme?
The loans are offered at a low interest rate of 5% per annum. - How is the loan amount disbursed to the beneficiaries?
The loan is directly deposited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. - What is the repayment period for the loan?
The repayment period is up to 3 years. - Are there any income limits for eligibility under this scheme?
Yes. For rural areas, the family annual income must be ≤₹98,000, and for urban areas, ≤₹1,20,000. - What documents are needed to apply?
Applicants must submit an Aadhaar Card, passport-sized photographs, residential/domicile certificate, bank account details, proof of age, and any other documents required by the District Office. - Is the scheme available for all self-employment activities?
The scheme is focused on supporting self-employment initiatives that enhance financial independence among OBC women.