PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly
PMBJP is a central government scheme that helps pharmacists, individuals and organisations open Janaushadhi Kendras — generic medicine outlets backed by a one-time grant of up to ₹2 lakh and a monthly incentive of up to ₹20,000.
- Funding amount
- ₹2L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, better known by its short form PMBJP, is a central government programme that widens access to low-cost generic medicines by building a nationwide chain of retail outlets called Janaushadhi Kendras. It was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, part of the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, to close a costly gap: unbranded generics have the same therapeutic value as their branded equivalents yet sell for far less.
The scheme is implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), a body registered under the Societies Registration Act. PMBI keeps every Kendra supplied with a catalogue of 2,100 medicines and 300 surgical items. By March 2026, more than 19,000 Kendras were already up and running across the country.
For an entrepreneur, PMBJP works more like a supported retail business than a one-off subsidy. It backs pharmacists, individuals, trusts and other organisations that want to run a Kendra, pairing financial incentives with help on drug licensing and billing systems. The commercial side is matched by an awareness push, so that buyers stop assuming a higher price tag means better medicine.
The scheme also has a stated employment goal — each Kendra creates work for qualified pharmacists and their staff, which is why entrepreneurs, pharmacists and charitable bodies are actively encouraged to apply.
Highlights
- One-time setup grant of up to ₹2 lakh — ₹1.5 lakh for furniture and fixtures, ₹0.5 lakh for IT infrastructure
- Monthly operational incentive of up to ₹20,000, calculated at 20% of purchases from PMBI
- An additional 20% margin on the MRP of every medicine sold
- Product list of 2,100 medicines and 300 surgical items, sourced from WHO-GMP certified suppliers
- Medicines priced 50%–80% lower than branded equivalents
- Rolling applications, with the ₹5,000 fee waived for women entrepreneurs, SC/ST, Divyangjan and ex-servicemen
Who can apply
PMBJP does not restrict itself to companies. Individual pharmacists, organisations and even government hospitals can apply, which makes both single-owner outlets and institution-run Kendras possible.
- Individuals need a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree of their own, or must employ a qualified pharmacist to run the counter.
- Organisations, NGOs, trusts and societies must have a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree holder on their team.
- Government hospital premises, including medical colleges, are eligible locations. In such places, reputed NGOs and charitable organisations are given preference, though individuals are not barred from applying.
- Every applicant must be willing to obtain a valid drug license and to operate on PMBI's billing software.
- The one-time setup grant is aimed at women entrepreneurs, SC/ST applicants, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen, and applicants based in aspirational districts or specified geographical regions.
PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
Support under PMBJP has two cash components, and both repeat differently over the life of the Kendra.
- One-time special grant of up to ₹2 lakh towards setting up the outlet. It breaks down as ₹1.5 lakh reimbursed for furniture and fixtures and ₹0.5 lakh for basic IT infrastructure — a computer, internet connection and printer.
- Normal incentive of up to ₹20,000 every month, calculated as 20% of monthly purchases from PMBI. That 20% is split evenly into a 10% purchase incentive and a 10% stock maintenance incentive, which keeps the operation viable month after month.
- A 20% margin on the MRP of every drug sold, on top of the monthly incentive.
The one-time grant is specifically directed at women entrepreneurs, SC/ST applicants, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen, and entrepreneurs located in aspirational districts or earmarked geographies.
On the supply side, a Kendra draws medicines and surgical items from WHO-GMP certified suppliers, and every batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories. Because of this sourcing model, retail prices sit 50%–80% below comparable branded products.
PMBI also hand-holds operators through the paperwork — guidance on securing the drug license and on adopting its standardised billing software — so the outlet can start dispensing without procedural delays.
About the provider
PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly is offered by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are handled by PMBI, and the path from submission to an open shop follows a fixed order.
- Online application and fee payment — the form is submitted through the scheme portal, along with the ₹5,000 application fee wherever it applies.
- Review by PMBI — the bureau examines each application for completeness and against the eligibility criteria. Applications from designated categories receive specific attention so that the correct benefits are attached to them.
- Approval and operating agreement — once an application is approved, the applicant signs a formal agreement with PMBI setting out all terms and conditions before store operations begin.
- Drug license and system setup — the Kendra must hold a valid drug license issued in its own name, adopt PMBI's billing software, and submit the required bank cheques before the first consignment of medicines and surgical items is dispatched.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹2L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does PMBJP actually provide?
There are two parts to the money. The one-time special grant goes up to ₹2 lakh for setting up the Kendra — ₹1.5 lakh of that reimburses furniture and fixtures, and ₹0.5 lakh covers IT infrastructure such as a computer, internet and printer. Separately, a running Kendra can earn a normal incentive of up to ₹20,000 per month, which works out to 20% of its monthly purchases from PMBI, split equally between a purchase incentive and a stock maintenance incentive. Operators also keep a 20% margin on the MRP of each drug they sell.
Is the ₹2 lakh grant available to every applicant?
The one-time special grant is targeted at particular groups rather than all applicants. It is aimed at women entrepreneurs, SC/ST applicants, Divyangjan, ex-servicemen, and entrepreneurs in aspirational districts or specific geographical regions. The monthly operational incentive of up to ₹20,000, by contrast, applies to operators of Janaushadhi Kendras generally.
Is there an application deadline for PMBJP?
No. Applications run on a rolling basis and the scheme stays open through the year, so you can apply whenever you are ready. Because the fee and category details are locked in at submission, it is worth having your documents in order before you begin the form.
Who is eligible to open a Janaushadhi Kendra?
Individual applicants need a D. Pharma or B. Pharma degree, or they must employ a qualified pharmacist. Organisations, NGOs, trusts and societies need a B. Pharma or D. Pharma degree holder on their rolls. Government hospital premises, including medical colleges, can also host a Kendra — reputed NGOs and charitable organisations are preferred there, though individuals may apply as well.
Does PMBJP take equity in my business?
No. The support comes in the form of a grant and a recurring operational incentive, not an investment, so no equity or ownership stake is taken in your Kendra. You run the outlet as your own enterprise under an operating agreement with PMBI.
What is the application fee, and can it be waived?
There is a non-refundable application fee of ₹5,000, paid through the online payment gateway. Applicants from special categories — women entrepreneurs, Divyangjan, SC, ST, ex-servicemen, and those from specific backward geographical regions — are exempt, provided they submit proof of their category.
Do I need a drug license to run a Kendra?
Yes. A valid drug license must be obtained from the local authorities in the name of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra. Along with that, you have to adopt PMBI's proprietary billing software and submit the required bank cheques before the first batch of medicines and surgical items is dispatched to you. PMBI provides guidance on the licensing step.
What quality checks apply to the medicines sold at a Kendra?
Medicines are procured only from WHO-GMP certified suppliers, and each batch undergoes testing at NABL-accredited laboratories. This is why Kendra prices can sit 50%–80% below branded alternatives while the medicines retain the same therapeutic value.
Can I change my applicant category after submitting the form?
No. The category you select in the application — for example woman entrepreneur, SC, ST or Divyang — cannot be changed later. Since the choice determines your eligibility for the fee exemption and the one-time grant, select it accurately at the time of filling in the form.
Where do I apply for a Janaushadhi Kendra?
Applications are made online through the official PMBI portal at https://janaushadhi.gov.in. You fill in the digital application form, pay the ₹5,000 fee where applicable, and then proceed to sign the operating agreement with PMBI once your application is approved.
Is DPIIT recognition required for PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly?
PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly is offered by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for PMBJP Janaushadhi Kendra — ₹2 Lakh Grant, ₹20,000 Monthly?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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