Term Loan Scheme for Charmakar Community — ₹1L–₹2.5L NSFDC Loan — Frequently Asked Questions

Term loans range from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 depending on the scheme, and vehicle loans carry their own separate limits. On top of the term loan, NSFDC finances 75% of the project cost and provides another 20% as a Seed Loan, with a ₹10,000 subsidy included. You contribute the remaining 5% of the project cost.

No. The scheme is rolling and always open, so there is no closing date to beat. Applications are submitted in person at the LIDCOM district office during office hours.

You need to be a permanent resident of Maharashtra and a member of the Charmakar community, which includes Dhor, Chambhar, Holar and Mochi. Your age should be between 18 and 50 years, you must hold a valid Income Certificate and Caste Certificate issued by an authorised government officer, and you should already have knowledge of the business you are seeking the loan for.

It depends on the component. For the 50% Subsidy Scheme and Margin Money, annual income must be below the poverty line. For the NSFDC scheme, the ceiling is ₹98,000 a year for rural applicants and ₹1,20,000 a year for urban applicants.

The focus is on micro-enterprises that make footwear or leather goods, including units that take government department orders and those that sell through the open market. The scheme is designed for setting up or expanding a small business within the community.

No. This is a debt product, so you retain full ownership. The borrowed amount is repaid with interest through monthly instalments spread over as long as 60 months.

NSFDC charges 7% per annum on loans of up to ₹5,00,000 and 8% per annum on loans above that. The corporation also charges 4% per annum. Instalments are paid monthly, over a maximum of 60 months.

Along with the completed application form, you will need a passport-sized photograph and self-attested copies of your Income Certificate, Caste Certificate and proof of residence. All details have to be consistent and verifiable.

Neither appears among the scheme's stated requirements. What the scheme does insist on is an Income Certificate and a Caste Certificate from an authorised government officer, permanent residency in Maharashtra, and knowledge of the business being financed.

Apply offline. Visit the district office of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) during office hours, collect the prescribed form, fill it in, attach the documents and submit it to the concerned authority. Ask for a receipt or acknowledgement showing the submission date, time and, if applicable, a unique identification number. Scheme information is also published on the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance portal at https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in/en/.

Term Loan Scheme for Charmakar Community — ₹1L–₹2.5L NSFDC Loan is offered by National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.