About this social welfare scheme
The scheme aims to provide the benefit of a lower rate of interest to eligible Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and individual beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Safai Karamcharis (including identified Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers, and their dependents).
The Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ki Aarthik Sahayata (VISVAS) Yojana is an interest subvention scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide interest subvention to eligible Self-Help Groups (SHGs) belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Safai Karamcharis, including identified Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers, and their dependents. The scheme covers loans obtained from Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Private Sector Banks, Small Finance Banks, and other financial institutions.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ki Aarthik Sahayata Yojana (VISVAS) for Self-Help Groups (VISVASSHG) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Department | Department of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Benefit type | Cash (money paid to your bank account) |
| Category | Social welfare |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | nskfdc.nic.in (see References at the end) |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Central Sector Scheme |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) |
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Application mode | Offline |
| Last date | Not given in the official listing |
| Family income limit | Up to Rs. 3 lakh per year |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 18 to 60 years
- 🏷️SC / OBC
- 💰Income Rs. 3 lakh tak
- 📝Offline
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
Interest Subvention
- Interest subvention of up to 5% per annum on eligible loans.
Loan Limits
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Loans/Cash Credit Limits up to Rs. 10,00,000.
Mode of Payment
- The interest subvention amount is transferred directly into the beneficiary's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Who qualifies
- The SHG must have at least 70% members belonging to SCs, OBCs, or Safai Karamcharis (including identified Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers, and their dependents).
- The SHG must have a standard loan account.
- The SHG must not have received interest subvention on the same loan under any other scheme.
- The annual family income of SC/OBC members should generally be up to Rs. 3,00,000/-.
NOTE: No income ceiling for Safai Karamcharis, including identified Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers, and their dependents.
Who is not eligible
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Registration walkthrough
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant downloads the application form (Annexure 1) from the official website.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the lending institution.
Step 4: The lending institution uploads beneficiary details on the VISVAS Portal and submits quarterly claims to the concerned implementing agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VISVAS Scheme for SHGs?
VISVAS provides interest subvention to eligible SHGs belonging to SC, OBC, and Safai Karamchari communities on loans availed from participating lending institutions.
What is the maximum interest subvention available under the scheme?
Eligible SHGs can receive interest subvention of up to 5% per annum.
What is the maximum loan amount covered under the scheme?
The scheme covers loans or cash credit limits up to Rs. 10 lakh.
Who can apply under the SHG component of VISVAS?
SHGs with at least 70% members belonging to SC, OBC, or Safai Karamchari communities are eligible.
Is there any income criterion for SHG members?
For SC and OBC members, the annual family income should generally not exceed Rs. 3 lakh.
Does the income limit apply to Safai Karamchari members?
No, there is no income ceiling for Safai Karamcharis, including identified Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers, and their dependents.
Is a standard loan account mandatory for availing the benefit?
Yes, only SHGs with standard loan accounts are eligible for interest subvention.
Can an SHG receive VISVAS benefits if it is already receiving another interest subsidy?
No, interest subvention is available only for loans not covered under any other interest subvention scheme.
How is the interest subvention amount disbursed?
The subsidy is transferred directly to the SHG's operating bank account through DBT.
Which organizations implement the SHG component of VISVAS?
NBCFDC, NSFDC, and NSKFDC implement the scheme for OBC, SC, and Safai Karamchari SHGs respectively.
References and official sources
Apply only on the official portal. Nothing is applied for on this site, and applying is free.
- FAQs (PDF) nskfdc.nic.in
- Scheme Details (PDF) nskfdc.nic.in
grokipedia.org.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
The details on this page are from the official listing and have not been rewritten or reviewed by our team yet. Confirm them on the official portal before applying.
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