What this scheme offers
Named 'Gatidhara' — roughly, 'bearer of momentum' — this scheme addresses a well-documented gap: SC/ST entrepreneurs in West Bengal often struggle to get conventional bank credit at reasonable rates, even for genuinely viable small businesses like a shop, a vehicle, a food-processing unit or a repair workshop. The Corporation lends directly at 4% interest — a fraction of the 12–18% market rate a similar borrower might otherwise face — and tops it up with a ₹50,000 grant that never has to be repaid. Every beneficiary goes through skill training before the loan is disbursed, which is meant to improve the odds the business actually survives its first year.
Who is eligible
- Belongs to Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- Permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Proposing a viable micro/small business (retail, vehicle-based livelihood, handicrafts, food processing, repair services, agro-processing, beauty/personal care, etc.).
- No default history on any previous government loan scheme.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate (SC/ST)
- Business plan / project proposal
- Bank account details
- Residential proof
How to apply
- Apply at wbscstfinance.org or your nearest SC/ST Finance office.
- Submit your business plan along with caste certificate and identity documents.
- Complete the mandatory skill training linked to your proposed business activity.
- On approval, the loan is disbursed by the Corporation directly — you're not routed through a separate bank.
- Repay over the 5–7 year term; the ₹50,000 seed grant portion is separate and non-repayable, so only the ₹5 lakh loan principal (at 4%) needs to be paid back.