Manav Garima Yojana
Free toolkits for 28 trades · SC self-employment · Gujarat, no bank loan needed
Launched in 1995, this scheme from Gujarat's Social Justice & Empowerment Department provides free trade toolkits to Scheduled Caste artisans and small vendors across 28 different trades — from carpentry and tailoring to mobile repair and beauty parlors. There is no loan involved; beneficiaries simply receive a physical toolkit to begin self-employment. Apply online at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or offline at the nearest District Deputy Director (Scheduled Caste Welfare) office.
About This Scheme
Launched in 1995, this scheme from Gujarat's Social Justice & Empowerment Department provides free trade toolkits to Scheduled Caste artisans and small vendors across 28 different trades — from carpentry and tailoring to mobile repair and beauty parlors. There is no loan involved; beneficiaries simply receive a physical toolkit to begin self-employment. Apply online at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or offline at the nearest District Deputy Director (Scheduled Caste Welfare) office.
Full official description
The scheme “Manav Garima Yojana” was launched by the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat. The scheme was launched in the year 1995. The scheme offers financial assistance to Scheduled Caste individuals who wish to establish cottage industries for self-employment without requiring bank loans. Additionally, employment/tool kits are provided to those who seek self-employment opportunities. In the limit of the list according to 28 trades, the necessary toolkits purchased and distributed by GRIMCO in the form of necessary resources/tools for business, this scheme is for the improvement of the economic condition of individual artisans, who are living below the poverty line and to increase the income of weaker section of society, small scale trade/business like vendors, vegetable seller,s and carpentry.
Benefits
- Free toolkit for any one of 28 self-employment trades including: carpentry, tailoring, embroidery, pottery, mobile repairing, beauty parlor, vehicle servicing, welding, plumbing, laundry, fish/milk/vegetable selling, papad/pickle making, and more
- No loan or repayment required — it is a grant-in-kind
- Covers 28 trades purchased and distributed by GRIMCO
💡 Why Startups Should Care
This is genuinely debt-free startup support — no loan, no repayment, just the tools needed to start earning. With 28 trade options from stitching to electrical repair, it's a practical first step for SC individuals without access to credit.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
- Must be a resident (native) of Gujarat
- Age: 18 to 60 years
- Annual family income: up to Rs.6,00,000 (no income limit for the most backward SC sub-castes)
- Neither the applicant nor any family member should have previously benefited from this scheme (one-time benefit per family)
How to Apply
- Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal (esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in).
- Register or log in and select the Manav Garima Yojana scheme.
- Choose your desired trade from the 28 listed options.
- Upload passport photo, Aadhaar, caste certificate, ration card, and residence proof.
- Submit the application — approved applicants receive the toolkit directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the scheme aim to provide?
The scheme offers financial assistance and employment/tool kits to Scheduled Caste individuals who aspire to establish cottage industries for self-employment, without relying on bank loans.
What are the benefits offered under the scheme?
Tool kits are provided for 28 types of trades/businesses, including handicraft work, tailoring, vehicle servicing, and carpentry, among others.
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste category, be natives of Gujarat, and aged between 18 to 60 years.
Is there an income limit for applicants?
Yes, applicants from the Scheduled Caste category must have an annual family income of up to [?]6,00,000/-. However, there is no income limit for applicants belonging to the Most Backward Caste among the Scheduled Castes.
Can previous beneficiaries or their family members reapply for the scheme?
No, if the beneficiary or any family members have already availed benefits under the scheme, they are not eligible for reapplication.
Where can eligible applicants apply for the scheme?
Eligible applicants can apply through the e-Samaj Kalyan Portal: https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/
How many types of trades/businesses are covered under the scheme?
A total of 28 types of trades/businesses are covered under the scheme, ranging from handicraft work to mobile repairing.
Can applicants from outside Gujarat apply for the scheme?
No, only native residents of Gujarat are eligible to apply for the "Manav Garima Yojana" scheme.
What is the significance of providing employment/tool kits?
Providing employment/tool kits ensures that individuals have the necessary resources to start their businesses, reducing dependency on external sources like bank loans.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate
- Ration card
- Proof of residence (electricity bill / licence / rent agreement / election card)