Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana is a self-employment scheme approved by the Government of Madhya Pradesh on 6 September 2022 that provides financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh to Scheduled Tribe applicants aged 18 to 55 years for establishing small self-employment ventures, along with a 7% annual interest subsidy for up to 5 years.
Madhya Pradesh Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana |
| Cabinet Approval Date | 6 September 2022 |
| Nodal Department | Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh |
| Implementing Agency | MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam, Bhopal |
| Target Beneficiaries | Scheduled Tribe (ST) applicants of Madhya Pradesh |
| Age Limit | 18 to 55 years |
| Financial Assistance | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh |
| Purpose | All types of self-employment activities |
| Interest Subsidy | 7% per annum for up to 5 years |
| Subsidy Condition | Regular loan repayment mandatory |
| Bank Guarantee | Available to reduce collateral burden |
| Enterprises Covered | New enterprises only |
| Scheme Coverage | Enterprises established within Madhya Pradesh only |
| Scheme Benefit Per Applicant | Only once |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Application Portal | samast.mponline.gov.in |
| Tribal Affairs Department Portal | tribal.mp.gov.in |
Introduction of Madhya Pradesh Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana: A Brief Insight
Many tribal families in Madhya Pradesh want to start a small business – a grocery shop, a dairy unit, a repair centre, or a handicraft business – but even Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 feels out of reach without institutional support. Private moneylenders charge high interest rates and banks often hesitate to give small loans without collateral. To solve this problem and bring micro-level self-employment opportunities to tribal families, the Government of Madhya Pradesh approved the Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana on 6 September 2022.
The scheme is named after Tantya Bhil, popularly known as Tantya Mama, a tribal freedom fighter from Khandwa district who is remembered as the “Robin Hood of Central India” for fighting against the British and supporting poor tribal communities.
Under the Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana of the Madhya Pradesh Government, eligible ST applicants aged 18 to 55 years can avail financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh for any type of self-employment activity. The MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam provides a 7% annual interest subsidy on Term Loan and Working Capital Loan for up to 5 years, subject to regular loan repayment. Bank loan guarantee support is also available to help ST applicants access loans without collateral burden. The scheme covers new enterprises only and the benefit is available only once per applicant.
The Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, implements the scheme through the MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam and applications are submitted online through the SAMAST Portal.
ST applicants who need a larger loan for a bigger manufacturing or service enterprise can explore the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Swarojgar Yojana, which provides loans from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh with 5% annual interest subsidy for up to 7 years for ST entrepreneurs in Madhya Pradesh. Tribal applicants who want central government loan support without collateral can check the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which provides loans up to Rs. 10 lakh to small business owners across India through empanelled banks and microfinance institutions.
Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs and anyone looking for more self-employment and welfare schemes available under the Madhya Pradesh Government can explore all available programmes on our List of Madhya Pradesh Government Schemes page.
What Businesses Can Be Started Under Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana?
The scheme supports a wide range of small self-employment activities that can be established with a project cost of up to Rs. 1 lakh. Applicants can choose a business based on their skills, local demand, and available resources.
- Grocery Shop
- Dairy Unit
- Mobile Repair Shop
- Tailoring Unit
- Food Stall
- Tribal Handicraft Business
- Small Trading Venture
- Electrical Repair Shop
- Computer Service Centre
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, provides the following financial benefits to eligible ST applicants under the Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana through the MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam and empanelled banks:
- Financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh for all types of self-employment activities
- Interest subsidy at the rate of 7% per annum on Term Loan and Working Capital Loan
- Interest subsidy available for a maximum period of 5 years, subject to regular and timely loan repayment
- Bank loan guarantee provided to help ST applicants access loans without excessive collateral burden
- Benefit available only once per applicant
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, has defined the following eligibility conditions for the Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana. Applicants must fulfil all conditions before applying through the SAMAST Portal:
- The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category; a caste certificate issued by a competent authority is mandatory
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Madhya Pradesh
- The age of the applicant must be between 18 years and 55 years on the date of application
- The applicant must not be a defaulter of any nationalised bank, financial institution, or cooperative bank
- The applicant must not be receiving benefits under any other government entrepreneurship or self-employment scheme
- The benefit under this scheme is available only once per applicant
- The scheme covers new enterprises only – existing businesses are not eligible
- The enterprise must be established within the boundaries of Madhya Pradesh
Who Is Not Eligible
- Applicants who do not belong to the Scheduled Tribe category
- Non-residents of Madhya Pradesh
- Applicants below 18 years or above 55 years of age
- Applicants who are bank defaulters
- Applicants already receiving benefits under any government self-employment scheme
- Applicants seeking loan support for an existing business
- Enterprises proposed to be set up outside Madhya Pradesh
Documents Required to be Attached
Scheduled Tribe applicants must submit the following documents while applying for the Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana through the SAMAST Portal. Keep all documents ready before starting the online application:
- ST Caste Certificate issued by the competent authority confirming the Scheduled Tribe category
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant
- PAN Card of the applicant
- Domicile or Residence Certificate confirming permanent residency in Madhya Pradesh
- Samagra ID
- Bank passbook with account number and IFSC code
- Project report or business proposal describing the proposed self-employment venture
- Passport size photograph of the applicant
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar Card
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana accepts applications online through the SAMAST Portal. The scheme is specially designed for Scheduled Tribe families who want to start small livelihood and self-employment activities with financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 lakh. Before applying, keep your caste certificate, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Samagra ID, bank account details, and a brief business proposal ready.
Step 1: Visit the SAMAST Portal and create an applicant profile using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Existing users can directly log in using their registered credentials.
Step 2: Open the Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam section and select Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana from the list of available schemes.
Step 3: Enter your personal information, Scheduled Tribe category details, residence information, Samagra ID, and contact details exactly as mentioned in your official documents.
Step 4: Select the livelihood activity or micro-enterprise for which assistance is required. Applicants can propose activities such as grocery shops, dairy units, tailoring work, food stalls, mobile repair centres, tribal handicrafts, electrical repair shops, or other small income-generating ventures.
Step 5: Mention the estimated project cost and explain how the financial assistance will be used. Since the scheme supports projects up to Rs. 1 lakh, applicants should ensure that the proposed activity falls within the prescribed limit.
Step 6: Upload the required documents, including caste certificate, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, domicile certificate, Samagra ID, photograph, bank passbook, and business proposal.
Step 7: Submit the application after verifying all details. Keep the acknowledgement number safe for future reference and status tracking.
Step 8: The district office of MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam examines the application, verifies eligibility conditions, and assesses whether the proposed activity is suitable for self-employment under the scheme.
Step 9: Eligible applications are forwarded for financial assistance processing. After approval and loan sanction, beneficiaries can start the approved livelihood activity and continue receiving the 7% interest subsidy by maintaining regular loan repayments.
Difference Between Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana and Bhagwan Birsa Munda Swarojgar Yojana
| Particulars | Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana | Bhagwan Birsa Munda Swarojgar Yojana |
|---|---|---|
| Target Community | Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Scheduled Tribe (ST) |
| Loan Amount | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh | Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh |
| Purpose | Micro-level self-employment ventures | Larger manufacturing and service enterprises |
| Interest Subsidy | 7% per annum | 5% per annum or actual – whichever is less |
| Subsidy Period | Up to 5 years | Up to 7 years |
| Application Portal | samast.mponline.gov.in | samast.mponline.gov.in |
In simple terms, if you want to start a small business within Rs. 1 lakh, apply under Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana. If you need a larger loan for a manufacturing or service enterprise, apply under the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Swarojgar Yojana.
Important Links Available
- SAMAST Portal – Apply for Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana
- Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh Official Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Nodal Agency: Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- District Level: Assistant Commissioner or District Coordinator or Branch Manager, MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam at the Collectorate of your district
Important: For scheme-related queries, application assistance, and loan processing details, visit the nearest District Tribal Welfare Office or the MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam office at your district Collectorate during working hours. You can also visit the nearest MPOnline centre for help with the online application process at samast.mponline.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana?
Ans. Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana is a self-employment promotion scheme approved by the Government of Madhya Pradesh on 6 September 2022. It provides financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh to Scheduled Tribe applicants for establishing small self-employment ventures, along with a 7% annual interest subsidy for up to 5 years and bank loan guarantee support. The scheme is implemented by the MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam through the SAMAST Portal.
Q. Who was Tantya Mama?
Ans. Tantya Bhil, popularly known as Tantya Mama, was a tribal freedom fighter and folk hero from Madhya Pradesh. Born around 1842 in Pandhana, Khandwa district, he is remembered as the “Robin Hood of Central India” for robbing British treasuries and helping the poor tribal communities. He was hanged by the British on 4 December 1889. The Government of Madhya Pradesh named this scheme in his honour to empower the tribal community he fought for.
Q. Who can apply under this scheme?
Ans. Scheduled Tribe applicants aged between 18 and 55 years who are permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh, are not bank defaulters, and have not previously received benefits under any other government self-employment scheme can apply. The benefit is available only once per applicant.
Q. What is the maximum loan amount under this scheme?
Ans. Financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh is available for all types of self-employment activities under this scheme. The scheme focuses on micro-level self-employment ventures for tribal families.
Q. What is the interest subsidy under this scheme?
Ans. The MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam provides an interest subsidy at 7% per annum on Term Loan and Working Capital Loan for a maximum period of 5 years. The subsidy is provided on the condition of regular and timely loan repayment. The subsidy stops if the beneficiary defaults on repayment.
Q. What is the age limit for this scheme?
Ans. The applicant must be between 18 years and 55 years of age on the date of application.
Q. What businesses can be started under this scheme?
Ans. The scheme supports all types of small self-employment ventures, including grocery shops, mobile repair shops, dairy units, tribal handicraft businesses, small trading businesses, food stalls, and other service-sector and retail trade activities that can be established within Rs. 1 lakh project cost.
Q. Can women from the Scheduled Tribe category apply?
Ans. Yes. The scheme is open to both men and women belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category. Women ST applicants who meet all eligibility conditions can apply for financial assistance under this scheme.
Q. How can I apply for this scheme?
Ans. Applications are accepted online only through the SAMAST Portal at samast.mponline.gov.in. Create a profile on the portal, complete OTP verification, navigate to the Adivasi Vitt Vikas Nigam section, select Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana, fill all details, upload the required documents, and submit the application.
Q. What documents are required to apply?
Ans. Required documents include ST caste certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, domicile certificate, Samagra ID, bank passbook, project report describing the proposed business, and a passport-size photograph.
Q. What happens after submitting the application?
Ans. After submission, the Assistant Commissioner or District Coordinator of the MP Aadivasi Vitt Evam Vikas Nigam verifies your eligibility, ST certificate, and project viability. The verified application is forwarded to the bank for loan appraisal and approval. After loan disbursement, the 7% interest subsidy is processed for up to 5 years, subject to regular repayment.
Q. Can an existing business owner apply under this scheme?
Ans. No. The scheme covers new enterprises only. Applicants seeking financial support for an existing business are not eligible.
Q. What is the difference between Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana and Bhagwan Birsa Munda Swarojgar Yojana?
Ans. Tantya Mama Arthik Kalyan Yojana provides financial assistance from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh for micro-level self-employment ventures with a 7% interest subsidy for 5 years. The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Swarojgar Yojana provides loans from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh for larger manufacturing and service enterprises with a 5% interest subsidy for 7 years. Both schemes target ST applicants and use the SAMAST Portal for applications. Tantya Mama Yojana suits micro-entrepreneurs, while Bhagwan Birsa Munda Yojana suits those planning larger enterprises.
Q. Is a bank guarantee available under this scheme?
Ans. Yes. The scheme provides bank loan guarantee support to help ST applicants access loans without excessive collateral burden. This makes the scheme more accessible to tribal families who may not have significant assets to offer as collateral.

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.
