Meghalaya Sericulture & Weaving Scheme — Up to 75% Project Cost Support — Frequently Asked Questions

The Government of Meghalaya covers up to 75% of the total project cost as upfront margin money. You contribute 5% yourself, and the remaining 20% is taken as a loan from a partner bank — either State Bank of India or Indian Bank. Because the scheme works on actual project cost, the rupee value varies from unit to unit rather than being a fixed amount.

Both can apply. Individuals need to be permanent residents of Meghalaya, aged between 18 and 58, with a certificate of training in spinning or weaving, and no history of defaulting on a bank loan. Collectives can apply whether they are registered or unregistered.

A collective must be based in the village where the programme is implemented. If it is registered, it needs at least 10 members and at least two years of operation. It must also have proven spinning or weaving experience verified for a minimum of 5 members, employ at least 5 spinners or weavers, hold an active bank account with a statement for the last six months, and either own or lease land.

No. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so the scheme is effectively always open. You can apply whenever your project is ready rather than waiting for a notification window.

No. This is a credit-linked, debt-based structure — the state's support comes as margin money and the balance is a bank loan. Nothing in the scheme involves the government taking a share of ownership in your unit.

Support covers grainage units that produce Disease-Free Layings (DFL), spinning units, reeling units, natural dyeing units and weaving units. The scheme is centred on Eri silk, a traditional fabric of Meghalaya, and also covers Muga silk because the state's climate suits it.

Individuals need proof of Meghalaya residency and a spinning or weaving training certificate. Collectives need documentation of at least 10 members, a bank account statement covering the last six months, evidence of land ownership or a lease, and proof of spinning or weaving experience for at least five members, such as certificates or Handloom ID cards. Anyone applying for a grainage unit — individual or collective — must additionally show a minimum 10th pass qualification and at least two years of experience in laying production, certified by the District Sericulture Office. During online authentication you will need a PDS (ration card) number or an Election Photo ID Card (EPIC).

Applications are made online through the Meghalaya One portal. First-time users register by selecting "Registration for New User" and creating an account. You then choose an authentication ID — PDS (ration card) or EPIC — enter the card number, validate the details and move to the application form. Fill in all required fields, upload the supporting documents, review everything carefully and submit; you will get a unique application number to track the application. If you already have an account, sign in using Mobile Number, PDS, EPIC or Member ID with your User ID and password, then select "Apply for Services/Scheme" and complete the form.

Your application is screened by the implementing agencies and the partner banks. Shortlisted proposals are reviewed for project viability, applicant eligibility and conformity with scheme guidelines. You may be asked to undergo further verification or attend an interview before a final decision is made.

Yes. Recipients get training and capacity building for running grainage, spinning, reeling, dyeing and weaving operations, which builds both technical and business capability. Implementing agencies also guide applicants through the application process and facilitate setting up the unit under the CM-ELEVATE framework, and one-time infrastructure support is provided in the form of a 500 sq ft or 1000 sq ft shed along with equipment cost coverage based on model estimates.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Meghalaya Sericulture & Weaving Scheme — Up to 75% Project Cost Support, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Meghalaya Sericulture & Weaving Scheme — Up to 75% Project Cost Support is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

Meghalaya Sericulture & Weaving Scheme — Up to 75% Project Cost Support is offered by Department of Textiles, Planning Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.