Dr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Stipend to Scheduled Caste Lawyers
₹500–1,000/month stipend for 3 years · junior SC lawyers · Gujarat
Scheduled Caste law graduates in Gujarat who are newly enrolled with the Gujarat Bar Council receive a monthly stipend for 3 years to help them survive the financially difficult early years of legal practice. The stipend ranges from ₹600 to ₹1,000/month for the junior advocate, and the senior lawyer who mentors them gets ₹500/month. Apply online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or offline at the nearest District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare office.
About This Scheme
Scheduled Caste law graduates in Gujarat who are newly enrolled with the Gujarat Bar Council receive a monthly stipend for 3 years to help them survive the financially difficult early years of legal practice. The stipend ranges from ₹600 to ₹1,000/month for the junior advocate, and the senior lawyer who mentors them gets ₹500/month. Apply online through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or offline at the nearest District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare office.
Full official description
The scheme “Dr. P. G. Solanki Scheme for Stipend to Scheduled Caste Lawyers” was launched by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. The scheme was launched in year 2000. Under the scheme, a monthly stipend is provided for three years to law graduates belonging to the scheduled caste category, as well as to the senior lawyer who trains such individuals. This support is extended due to their poor financial condition, aiming to prevent mid-practice dropout.
Benefits
- ₹1,000/month stipend during the first year of training
- ₹800/month stipend during the second year
- ₹600/month stipend during the third year
- Mentoring senior lawyer receives ₹500/month for providing training
- A senior lawyer can simultaneously train up to 2 junior advocates
💡 Why Startups Should Care
The structured 3-year stipend (decreasing as you gain experience) plus compensation for your senior mentor creates a formal, incentivized apprenticeship — a practical bridge from law school to independent practice for SC graduates.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a law graduate belonging to the Scheduled Caste category
- Must be a native/permanent resident of Gujarat
- Must apply within 2 years of registration with the Gujarat Bar Council
- No income limit — open to all Scheduled Caste law graduates
- Benefit available only once per person
- Training must be done at district headquarters (or taluka headquarters by amendment)
- Monthly training certificate must be submitted to the senior advocate
How to Apply
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in).
- Register or log in and select this scheme.
- Submit passport photo, Aadhaar, and caste certificate as the junior lawyer.
- Provide details of your senior lawyer mentor.
- Submit the application — stipend disbursement continues monthly for 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the beneficiaries of this scheme?
Law graduates belonging to the scheduled caste category and senior lawyers who train them.
What is the duration of the stipend provided under this scheme?
The stipend is provided for a period of three years.
Why is this support extended to law graduates and senior lawyers?
It aims to assist individuals facing financial difficulties, thereby preventing them from discontinuing their practice prematurely.
How much stipend is provided for the first year of training?
[?]1,000/- per month.
What is the stipend amount for the second year of training?
[?]800/- per month.
How much stipend is given for the third year of training?
[?]600/- per month.
What stipend amount is provided to the senior lawyer for providing training?
[?]500/- per month.
What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
Applicants must be law graduates, belong to the scheduled caste category, and be natives of Gujarat state.
Is there an income limit for eligibility?
No, there is no income limit for this scheme.
Can a person avail of the benefits of this scheme more than once?
No, the benefit is available only once to each individual.
When should the application be submitted?
Within two years of registration with the Gujarat Bar Council.
How long should a senior lawyer have been practicing to be eligible to train law graduates under this scheme?
A senior lawyer should have at least 10 years of practice experience.
How many junior lawyers can a senior lawyer train under this scheme?
A senior lawyer can retain up to two more junior lawyers for training.
Where should the training to lawyers be given according to the scheme's guidelines?
Initially at the district headquarters; however, it can also be conducted at the taluka headquarters upon amendment.
How can eligible applicants apply for this scheme?
Eligible applicants can visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal: https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card of junior lawyer
- Caste certificate of junior lawyer
- School leaving certificate
- Senior lawyer details for mentorship