Loan Based Schemes For Safai Karamchari - General Term Loan (GTL)
Term loan up to ₹15 lakh · 6% interest · safai karamchari & manual scavengers · NSKFDC
General Term Loan scheme by National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) for safai karamcharis, manual scavengers, and their dependants to start any viable income-generating business — up to 90% of project cost at 6% interest.
About This Scheme
General Term Loan scheme by National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) for safai karamcharis, manual scavengers, and their dependants to start any viable income-generating business — up to 90% of project cost at 6% interest.
Full official description
A general term loan scheme by the Ministry of Social justice and Empowerment for Safai Karamchari, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents aged 18 years and above.
Term loan:
Up to 90% of the unit cost with a maximum unit cost of Rs.15.00 lacs at an interest rate of 6%, for any viable income generating schemes including sanitation-related activities.
Note:
- Under this scheme, term loans are extended through State Channelising Agencies (SCA), Regional Rural Banks(RRBs), and Nationalised Banks to the target group.
- Under this scheme assistance is provided for any viable income generating schemes including sanitation-related activities with a maximum project cost of Rs.15.00 lac.
Benefits
- Loan amount: Up to 90% of project cost, with a maximum unit cost of ₹15,00,000
- Interest rate: 6% per annum
- Repayment period: Up to 10 years (with implementation period grace)
- Eligible uses: Any viable income-generating activity including sanitation-related businesses
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For dependents of safai karamchari who want to start a mainstream business (not necessarily sanitation-related), this scheme provides up to ₹15 lakh with a 10-year repayment period including moratorium. The long repayment horizon keeps monthly obligations low while you build the business.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Safai karamchari (sanitation worker), manual scavenger, or their dependant, aged 18 or above. Must use the loan for an income-generating activity.
Exclusions
- Limited to safai karamchari, manual scavengers, and their dependents
- Must be aged 18 years and above
How to Apply
- Contact the nearest Channelising Agency (CA) of NSKFDC in your district (list at nskfdc.nic.in/en/content/home/list-channelizing-agencies).
- Alternatively, apply online at nskfdc.nic.in.
- Submit the occupation certificate, Aadhaar card, and any other indicative documents to the CA.
- The CA verifies and forwards your application to NSKFDC.
- NSKFDC processes the loan and disburses funds through the CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is moratorium period?
A moratorium period refers to a particular period of a loan tenure during which the borrower does not have to repay anything. It can be described as a waiting period before the borrower will have to start paying the equated monthly installments (EMIs) for his or her loan
Does the scheme provide loans to all Unorganized Workers persons?
No, the scheme provides loans only to Safai Karamchari, Manual Scavengers and their dependants
How does the scheme provide assistance?
Under this scheme, term loans are extended through State Channelising Agencies (SCA), Regional Rural Banks(RRBs) and Nationalised Banks to the target group.
Is there any income limit for the scheme?
No, there is no such limit mentioned in the guidelines, however , other things being equal, NSKFDC accords priority to economic development and rehabilitation of:- i) Manual Scavengers and amongst scavengers those scavengers whose income is below double the poverty line; ii) Women from among the target group and iii) Disabled persons among the target group. * Financial viability, income generating capacity of the project etc. are considered while evaluating the projects for financing.
With what type of Projects can I avail this schemes?
Any viable and income generating schemes are financed by NSKFDC to Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers and their dependents. As per the project proposals received from the SCAs, the following sectors are given priority by the target group:- Transport Small and Petty Business Non-land based schemes Sanitation based equipments
I am a Domestic Worker, am I eligible for the scheme?
No, You are not eligible.
I am a Waste Picker, am I eligible for the scheme?
Yes, You are eligible.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card (not mandatory but recommended)
- Occupation certificate (proving safai karamchari or manual scavenger status)
- Any other indicative documents as required by the channelising agency