Swarnima Scheme: ₹5L Loans at 5% for OBC Women in Maharashtra — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Swarnima Scheme: ₹5L Loans at 5% for OBC Women in Maharashtra — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much money does Swarnima lend?
A Self-Help Group project can draw up to ₹5,00,000, and each individual beneficiary within the group is counted at ₹25,000. A group can have a maximum of 20 members.
What interest rate applies, and how long do I get to repay?
Interest is charged at 5% a year, and the repayment period runs up to 3 years. That combination keeps instalments manageable while the venture gets established.
Does Swarnima take equity in my business?
No. Swarnima is a debt scheme — the money is a loan that you repay, at 5% a year, over up to 3 years. Nothing in the scheme involves giving away a stake or ownership share in your venture.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a woman from the Other Backward Class (OBC) category, a domicile of Maharashtra, and between 18 and 50 years of age. Your annual family income must be within ₹98,000 in rural areas or ₹1,20,000 in urban areas.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
No. The listed eligibility criteria cover OBC status, Maharashtra domicile, age and family income — DPIIT recognition and MSME/Udyam registration are not part of them. You will, however, need an OBC certificate, a Maharashtra domicile, age proof and an income certificate.
Is there a last date to submit the application?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, so you can apply as soon as your paperwork is ready.
Do I have to contribute any money myself?
No. The scheme requires no contribution from the beneficiary, so you do not need savings or margin money of your own in order to access the loan.
What documents do I need to attach?
You will need a recent passport-sized photograph pasted on the form, plus self-attested copies of your identity proof, address proof, income certificate, OBC certificate and bank passbook.
How and where do I apply?
Visit the District Office of the Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) during office hours and ask for the prescribed application form. Fill in all mandatory fields, sign the form, attach your self-attested documents and submit it to the concerned authority. Ask for a receipt or acknowledgement showing the submission date and any identification number — it is your proof of applying. The department's website, https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in/en/, is the official reference point for the scheme.
How is my application assessed?
A committee with representatives from the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance and the participating corporations reviews applications. Documents are verified against the caste, domicile, age and income requirements, and Self-Help Group applications may face extra scrutiny of the group's formation and project proposal. Shortlisting depends on meeting all conditions and filing a complete application.
Who offers Swarnima Scheme: ₹5L Loans at 5% for OBC Women in Maharashtra?
Swarnima Scheme: ₹5L Loans at 5% for OBC Women in Maharashtra is offered by Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for Swarnima Scheme: ₹5L Loans at 5% for OBC Women in Maharashtra?
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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