Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme is a women’s entrepreneurship promotion scheme launched by the Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala, to help registered Scheduled Caste (SC) Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) establish or expand income-generating enterprises. Under the scheme, eligible SHGs receive a subsidy of 75% of the project cost, up to Rs. 10 lakh for setting up a new enterprise, while existing SHGs can receive assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh to expand their business activities. The scheme is currently being implemented as a pilot project in Palakkad district.
Kerala Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme |
| Also Known As | Dakshayani Self-Help Groups Scheme |
| Launched By | Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala |
| Named After | Dakshayani Velayudhan – the only Dalit woman member of India’s Constituent Assembly |
| Nodal Department | Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Registered Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) |
| Subsidy for New Enterprise | 75% of the project cost, up to Rs. 10 lakh |
| Support for Business Expansion | Up to Rs. 5 lakh |
| Remaining Project Cost | 25% through a bank loan or Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation assistance |
| Minimum Age | Above 18 years |
| SHG Registration | Mandatory with a Government Department or recognised agency |
| Priority Categories | BPL families, widows, single mothers, transgender persons, KSUM/NORKA registered women and unemployed professional graduates |
| Individual Applicants | Not eligible – only registered SC Women SHGs can apply |
| Current Coverage | Pilot project in Palakkad district |
| Future Expansion | Proposed to be extended across all districts of Kerala after successful implementation |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
| Apply Through | Concerned Block or Municipal Scheduled Caste Development Office |
| Official Department Portal | scdd.kerala.gov.in |
| Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation | ksdcscst.kerala.gov.in |
Introduction of Kerala Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme: A Brief Insight
Starting a business often requires financial support that many Scheduled Caste (SC) women in Kerala struggle to access. Although many women have the skills and determination to become entrepreneurs, the lack of startup capital prevents them from establishing sustainable businesses. To address this challenge, the Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala launched the Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme, a special financial assistance programme designed to promote entrepreneurship among registered SC Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The scheme is named after Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman member of India’s Constituent Assembly and one of Kerala’s most respected social reformers. Inspired by her legacy, the scheme encourages SC women to become job creators by establishing micro and small enterprises instead of depending solely on traditional occupations.
Under the scheme, eligible registered SC Women Self-Help Groups receive a subsidy of 75% of the project cost, up to Rs. 10 lakh, for setting up a new enterprise. SHGs that have been successfully operating an enterprise for at least two years can receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh to expand their existing business. The remaining project cost can be financed through a bank loan or assistance from the Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation.
The scheme gives preference to SHGs whose members belong to BPL families, as well as single mothers, widows, transgender persons, women registered with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) or NORKA, and unemployed women with professional qualifications. At present, the scheme is being implemented as a pilot project in Palakkad district, with plans to extend it across all districts of Kerala after successful implementation. Applications are accepted through the concerned Block or Municipal Scheduled Caste Development Office.
Women SHGs looking for additional financial support to expand their businesses can also explore the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which offers collateral-free business loans to micro and small enterprises. Women entrepreneurs interested in innovation and startup support can also check the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which provides incubation, mentoring, funding support, and entrepreneurship development opportunities for startups in Kerala.
Women Self-Help Groups looking to reduce their daily travel expenses while commuting for business, training, or work can also explore the Priyadarshini Scheme, under which eligible women can avail free bus travel on KSRTC ordinary services across Kerala.
Women entrepreneurs and anyone looking for more self-employment and women’s welfare schemes offered by the Kerala Government can explore our comprehensive collection of the List of Welfare Schemes of Kerala Government.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala, provides the following financial assistance to eligible Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme:
For Establishing a New Enterprise
- Government subsidy covering 75% of the total project cost.
- Maximum financial assistance of Rs. 10 lakh.
- The remaining 25% of the project cost can be arranged through a bank loan or financial assistance from the Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation.
For Expanding an Existing Enterprise
- Financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh for SHGs that have been successfully operating an enterprise for at least 2 years.
Financial Assistance at a Glance
| Purpose | Government Assistance | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Setting up a New Enterprise | 75% of the total project cost | Rs. 10 lakh |
| Expansion of an Existing Enterprise (Minimum 2 Years) | Fixed financial assistance | Rs. 5 lakh |
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Registered Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups must satisfy the following eligibility conditions to receive assistance under the Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme:
- The Self-Help Group must be registered with a Government Department or any recognised agency.
- All members of the SHG must belong to the Scheduled Caste community of Kerala.
- Every member of the group must be above 18 years of age.
- For enterprise expansion assistance, the SHG must have been successfully operating the enterprise for at least 2 years.
Priority Categories
- Women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
- Single mothers and widows.
- Transgender persons.
- Women registered with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) or NORKA.
- Unemployed women with professional qualifications.
- Other socially and economically vulnerable groups identified by the department.
Who Is Not Eligible
- Individual women, as the scheme is meant exclusively for registered SC Women Self-Help Groups.
- Groups whose members are below 18 years of age.
- SHGs that are not registered with a Government Department or recognised agency.
- SHGs seeking expansion assistance without completing 2 years of business operations.
Documents Required to be Attached
Eligible Self-Help Groups should keep the following documents ready while applying for the Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme:
- SHG Registration Certificate.
- PPP ID.
- Aadhaar Card of all group members.
- Scheduled Caste Certificate of all members.
- BPL Ration Card(if claiming priority under the BPL category).
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Plan for a new enterprise.
- Proof showing successful operation of the enterprise for at least 2 years (for expansion assistance).
- Joint bank account passbook of the Self-Help Group.
- Recent passport-size photographs of all members.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme is currently being implemented as a pilot project in Palakkad district. Eligible Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can submit their applications through the Scheduled Caste Development Department. After the successful completion of the pilot phase, the scheme is expected to be expanded across all districts of Kerala.
Step 1: Ensure that your Self-Help Group is registered with a Government Department or a recognised agency. All members of the group must belong to the Scheduled Caste community of Kerala and be above 18 years of age.
Step 2: Prepare a detailed Project Report (DPR) describing the proposed enterprise, estimated project cost, expected income, and the source of funding for the remaining 25% of the project cost. SHGs applying for expansion assistance should also keep proof showing that the enterprise has been operating successfully for at least 2 years.
Step 3: Visit the nearest Block or Municipal Scheduled Caste Development Office with the completed application form and all required documents, including the SHG Registration Certificate, Aadhaar Cards, Scheduled Caste Certificates, Project Report, Joint Bank Account Passbook, and other supporting documents.
Step 4: The department will verify the eligibility of the Self-Help Group, examine the submitted project report, and assess the feasibility of the proposed enterprise before approving the application.
Step 5: After approval, the subsidy amount will be released to the SHG’s joint bank account. The remaining 25% of the project cost can be financed through a bank loan or with financial assistance from the Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation, wherever applicable.
For the latest notifications, operational guidelines, and district-wise implementation updates, regularly visit scdd.kerala.gov.in. Since the scheme is presently under pilot implementation, application procedures for additional districts will be notified by the department as and when the scheme is expanded.
Important Links Available
- Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala – Official Portal
- Kerala State SC/ ST Development Corporation – Official Portal
- Government of Kerala – Official Portal
- Kerala Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme Guidelines
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala
- Official Website: scdd.kerala.gov.in
- Financial Assistance Agency: Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation
- Local Assistance: Contact the nearest Block or Municipal Scheduled Caste Development Office or the District Scheduled Caste Development Officer for application guidance and scheme-related assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme?
Ans. The Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme is a financial assistance programme of the Scheduled Caste Development Department, Government of Kerala. It helps registered Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) establish new enterprises or expand existing businesses by providing government subsidies and entrepreneurship support.
Q. Why has the scheme been named after Dakshayani Velayudhan?
Ans. The scheme honours Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman member of India’s Constituent Assembly and one of Kerala’s pioneering social reformers. It aims to continue her vision of empowering Scheduled Caste women through education, leadership, and economic independence.
Q. Who can apply under this scheme?
Ans. Only registered Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Kerala are eligible. All members of the group must belong to the Scheduled Caste community and be above 18 years of age.
Q. Can individual women apply for this scheme?
Ans. No. Individual applications are not accepted. The scheme is available exclusively for registered Scheduled Caste Women Self-Help Groups.
Q. What financial assistance is available for starting a new enterprise?
Ans. Eligible SHGs receive a government subsidy covering 75% of the total project cost, subject to a maximum assistance of Rs. 10 lakh. The remaining project cost can be arranged through a bank loan or financial assistance from the Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation.
Q. Is assistance available for expanding an existing business?
Ans. Yes. Self-Help Groups that have been successfully operating an enterprise for at least 2 years can receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh for business expansion.
Q. Which applicants receive priority under the scheme?
Ans. Preference is given to SHGs comprising women from BPL families, single mothers, widows, transgender persons, women registered with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) or NORKA, and unemployed women with professional qualifications.
Q. Is the scheme currently available across Kerala?
Ans. No. The scheme is presently being implemented as a pilot project in Palakkad district. Based on its performance, the Government of Kerala plans to extend it to other districts in the state.
Q. How can eligible Self-Help Groups apply?
Ans. Eligible SHGs can submit their application along with the required documents at the nearest Block or Municipal Scheduled Caste Development Office. For the latest notifications and application guidelines, visit scdd.kerala.gov.in.
Q. Is SHG registration mandatory before applying?
Ans. Yes. The Self-Help Group must be registered with a Government Department or a recognised agency before submitting an application under the scheme.
Q. How can the remaining 25% of the project cost be arranged?
Ans. The balance amount can be financed through a scheduled bank or with financial assistance provided by the Kerala State SC/ST Development Corporation, depending on the approved project and eligibility.
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.