Keralam Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Kerala Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme is a women's entrepreneurship initiative launched by the Government of Kerala to promote self-employment and economic empowerment among Scheduled Caste (SC) women. Introduced under the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Backwards Classes Development Department, the scheme provides substantial financial assistance to eligible Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to establish new enterprises and expand existing businesses. The scheme has been named in honour of Dakshayani Velayudhan, India's first Dalit woman graduate and the only Dalit woman member of the Constituent Assembly, recognising her contribution towards social justice and women's empowerment.

Under the scheme, eligible Self-Help Groups can receive a 75% subsidy on the total project cost, subject to a maximum of ₹10 lakh, for setting up new income-generating enterprises. In addition, SHGs that have been successfully operating an enterprise for at least two years can avail a subsidy of up to ₹5 lakh for business expansion. The remaining project cost for new enterprises can be financed through a bank loan or financial assistance from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation, making it easier for women entrepreneurs to establish sustainable businesses.

The Keralam Dakshayani scheme is meant for registered Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Scheduled Caste (SC) women, with all members aged 18 years or above. Additionally, the Government will give priority to SHGs comprising women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, single mothers, widows, transgender persons, women registered with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), women registered with NORKA, and professionally qualified unemployed women. Through this targeted approach, the Government aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and promote women-led entrepreneurship. 

The Dakshayani Self-Help Groups Scheme will initially be implemented as a pilot project in Palakkad district and will be expanded to other districts of Kerala after evaluating its success. As of now, the Kerala Government has announced the scheme and its key features, while the detailed application guidelines, application form, and implementation schedule are yet to be notified by the Kerala State Development Corporation Department.

Scheme Benefits

• Provides a 75% subsidy on the total project cost for establishing new enterprises by eligible Self-Help Groups.
• Eligible Self-Help Groups can receive a maximum subsidy of ₹10 lakh for setting up a new income-generating enterprise.
• Offers a subsidy of up to ₹5 lakh for the expansion of enterprises that have been successfully operating for at least two years.
• The remaining 25% of the project cost for new enterprises can be financed through a bank loan or financial assistance from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation.
• Encourages entrepreneurship and self-employment among Scheduled Caste women through group-based enterprises.
• Supports the establishment of sustainable income-generating activities, helping Self-Help Groups improve their livelihood and economic independence.
• The scheme will initially be implemented in Palakkad district as a pilot project and will be expanded to other districts of Kerala based on its successful implementation.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be a registered Self-Help Group (SHG) consisting of Scheduled Caste (SC) women.
• All members of the Self-Help Group must be 18 years of age or above.
• The Self-Help Group must be registered with the Government or a recognised agency.
• The SHG should undertake a viable income-generating or self-employment project for which financial assistance is sought.
• For assistance to expand an existing enterprise, the Self-Help Group must have been successfully operating the enterprise for at least two years.
• The proposed enterprise should meet the conditions prescribed by the Department once the detailed scheme guidelines are notified.

Priority may be given to Self-Help Groups comprising women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, single mothers, widows, transgender persons, women registered with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), women registered with NORKA, and professionally qualified unemployed women, as announced by the Government.

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card of all members of the Self-Help Group (SHG).
• Scheduled Caste (SC) Community Certificate of the SHG members.
• Self-Help Group (SHG) Registration Certificate issued by the Government or a recognised agency.
• Age proof showing that all SHG members are 18 years of age or above.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Proposal for the proposed enterprise.
• Bank Account details of the Self-Help Group.
• Loan sanction letter or financial assistance approval from a bank or the SC/ST Development Corporation, wherever applicable.
• Proof that the existing enterprise has been operating successfully for at least two years (applicable only for enterprise expansion assistance).
• Income Certificate or BPL Certificate, if applicable.
• Supporting documents for priority categories such as widow, transgender, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) registration, NORKA registration, or professional qualification certificates, wherever applicable.
• Passport-size photographs of the authorised representative of the Self-Help Group.
• Any other documents prescribed by the department at the time of application.

Note: The Kerala Government has not yet released the official application guidelines or document checklist for the Dakshayani Self-Help Groups Scheme. The above documents are based on the eligibility conditions and implementation details announced by the Government and may be revised once the detailed Government Order (GO) or application guidelines are published.

Steps to Apply

The Kerala Government will notify the detailed application procedure for the Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme separately. Eligible Self-Help Groups can apply by following the process prescribed by the department once applications are invited.

• Ensure that the Self-Help Group (SHG) is registered with the Government or a recognised agency.
• Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Proposal for the proposed enterprise or expansion of an existing enterprise.
• Keep all the required documents ready as prescribed by the Department.
• Submit the application in the prescribed format through the designated authority or implementing agency notified by the Government.
• The concerned department will verify the eligibility, documents, and project proposal.
• Selected Self-Help Groups will receive financial assistance in accordance with the approved project and the scheme guidelines.

Note: The detailed application procedure will be notified separately by the Department.

Relevant Links

• Keralam Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme Details
• Kerala SC/ST Development Corporation.
• Kerala SC Department

Contact Information

• Kerala State Development Corporation Phone Number
  • 0487-2331064
  • 0487-2331469
• Kerala SDC Email Helpdesk: [email protected]