Special Benefits for SC/ST Community in WB

Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub Plan are strategies for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes that were introduced in by the central government in the Sixth Five Year plan to give the people of SC/ST community their share of physical as well as financial benefits and dues. In the state of West Bengal, the scheme was launched by West Bengal Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe Development and Finance Corporation with the objective to economically and socially advance SC/ST people living below poverty line in the state through micro financing.

Eligibility:

People from SC/ST community living under BPL (Below Poverty Line) whose annual family income is ₹ 19,654 (rural areas) and ₹ 27,247 (urban areas) are eligible to get benefits under this scheme.

Sectors getting financial benefits:

The Corporation provides assistance under six broad sectors. Those are- 1.Agriculture and Small Irrigation, 2.Animal Husbandry, 3.Fisheries, 4.Village Industries, 5.Business and 6.Small Transport.

Assistance: Project Cost-

The maximum limit of project cost is ₹ 35,000/-

Mode of finance-

• This is three folded- a. Subsidy, b. Margin Money and 3. Bank Loan.
• Maximum subsidy provided is 50% of the project cost with a limit of ₹ 10,000, whichever is less.
• In case of margin money, loan is extended up to the project cost of ₹ 12,000 at the rate of 20%, whichever is less.

How to avail:

For information on how to avail benefits, contact the Local Gram Panchayat/BDO/District Manager of the Corporation.