Learn how to access low-interest micro loans for small businesses through government-backed finance schemes.
Access to small loans can help you start or grow a small business, support your family, and improve your life. The Maharashtra Government Micro Credit Finance Scheme gives you that chance. Whether you're a street vendor, tailor, or small farmer, you can now borrow small amounts of money with fewer conditions and simple paperwork.
You don’t need to depend on informal moneylenders or worry about high interest. This scheme supports self-employment, especially for people in rural and urban low-income areas. If you want to build something on your own but don’t know where to start, this scheme is made for you.
The micro credit finance scheme supports income generation through small-scale businesses and self-employment. It offers low-interest loans with simple conditions and quick processing. You can apply alone or as part of a group, with special support for Safai Karamcharis, scavengers, and their dependants.
The scheme is implemented through SCAs (State Channelising Agencies), RRBs (Regional Rural Banks), and Nationalised Banks (Government-owned banks like SBI and Bank of Baroda). Here are the key details of the scheme:
Features |
Details |
Loan Purpose |
Small businesses, trading, services, and sundry income-generating activities |
Eligible Beneficiaries |
Safai Karamcharis, scavengers, and their dependants |
Loan Amount (Individual) |
Up to ₹1,00,000 per person |
Loan Amount (Group of 10) |
Up to ₹10,00,000 per group (₹1,00,000 per person) |
Lending Agencies |
SCAs, RRBs, and Nationalised Banks |
Interest Rate (Agency - SCA) |
2% per annum |
Interest Rate (You - Beneficiary) |
5% per annum |
Loan Type |
Micro loan for business, tools, or working capital |
Promoter’s Contribution |
Not required from beneficiaries |
Loan Share |
90% by National Safai Karmcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC); 10% by SCAs (loan/subsidy/other sources) |
Repayment Period |
3 years after a 4-month implementation and 6-month moratorium |
Repayment Mode |
Easy instalments through partner banks or agencies |
Application Mode |
Online via official websites or offline through authorised offices |
Disclaimer: The details provided in this table are for general information only. Please refer to official government sources or authorised agencies for the latest and accurate scheme guidelines.
You can build a stable income without heavy financial pressure, thanks to the flexible loan features under this scheme. Here are the main benefits you receive:
You can get funding for up to 90% of your project cost, which reduces your need for savings or outside help. The maximum loan amount available under this benefit is ₹1.25 Lakhs.
You pay only 6.5% interest annually, making it easier to manage monthly or quarterly repayments. The lending agency is charged just 2.5%, keeping the overall rate low for you.
You get a total of three years to repay your loan, including a 3-month break before repayment begins. This gives you time to start earning before instalments begin.
You do not need to pledge any assets or property to get the loan. This makes it easier for you to access credit, even without formal financial background.
The scheme is specially designed for Safai Karamcharis, scavengers, and their dependants. It ensures financial inclusion for communities often excluded from mainstream banking.
You can apply as part of a group, which encourages shared responsibility and better repayment rates. Group lending also allows you to access larger project funding collectively.
Only basic identity, income, and address proofs are required. This reduces paperwork and speeds up the approval process for your loan.
This scheme is simple to understand and apply. You can get a loan from a government-approved agency or corporation. The agency may work with banks or self-help groups to give the loan directly to you. You will repay the loan monthly or as agreed. Here’s how it works:
You apply through a recognised office or online portal
Your application is checked for basic eligibility
Once approved, the loan amount is given to you
You repay the loan in instalments over 1–3 years
To apply for the micro credit finance scheme, you must meet the following conditions:
You must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) community
Your annual family income should not exceed ₹3,00,000, whether you live in a rural or urban area (as per update on 08.03.2018)
Partnership firms and co-operative societies can also apply, provided that:
All members of the firm or society belong to a Scheduled Caste community
The annual family income of each member must be below ₹3,00,000
Note: Eligibility verification is handled by the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) or Channelising Agencies (CAs). However, NSFDC reserves the right to re-verify applicant eligibility if required.
You need to submit basic documents to prove your identity, income, and eligibility. Here is the list of required documents:
Caste certificate confirming Scheduled Caste status
Income certificate issued by a competent authority
Aadhaar Card (used as primary identity proof)
Proof of residence (such as electricity bill, voter ID, or ration card)
Bank passbook or bank account details
Passport-size photograph
Any other documents requested by the implementing agency or lending institution
You can apply offline for the micro credit finance scheme by following these simple steps:
Visit the District Office of the State Channelising Agency (SCA) to apply for financial assistance
Fill in the loan application form provided by NSFDC and attach all required documents, including caste and income certificates
Submit your application to the SCA or any authorised Channelising Agency such as RRBs, Public Sector Banks, or NBFC-MFIs partnered with NSFDC
The District Office will verify your documents and check your eligibility
Verified applications are sent to the Head Office of the SCA or Channelising Agency for further review
The Head Office assesses your business proposal to confirm its feasibility
Viable proposals are sent to NSFDC along with the SCA’s official recommendation
NSFDC reviews the proposals and prepares an appraisal report for the Project Clearance Committee (PCC)
If approved by the PCC, NSFDC issues a Letter of Intent (LOI) with terms and conditions to the concerned agency
After the agency accepts the terms and fulfils necessary norms, NSFDC releases the funds to the agency
The agency then disburses the approved loan amount to you as the final beneficiary
You repay the loan in instalments as per the schedule set by the agency
Note: You must apply through authorised SCAs or Channelising Agencies; NSFDC does not accept direct applications.
The Maharashtra Government Micro Credit Finance Scheme helps you start or grow a business with low-interest loans, no collateral, and simple paperwork. You can access up to ₹1.25 Lakhs through SCAs, RRBs, and Nationalised Banks, with flexible repayment terms. From eligibility to disbursement, the process is clear and accessible—especially for marginalised communities. If you're ready to take control of your income, this scheme offers a strong foundation to begin.
You can get up to ₹1,00,000 as an individual. For group loans, each member can receive ₹1,00,000, with a maximum of ₹10,00,000 for a group of 10. Some schemes may offer up to ₹1.25 Lakhs per person, depending on the project and agency.
You are charged an interest rate of 5% to 6.5% per year, depending on the agency. The lending agency receives funds at a lower rate from institutions like NSFDC, helping keep your interest low.
While there is no direct cash subsidy, up to 90% of the project cost is covered by funding institutions. The remaining 10% is arranged by the lending agency, reducing your financial burden.
Yes, as long as the business is legal, small-scale, and income-generating. This includes activities like vending, tailoring, dairy, retail, or other self-employment ventures approved by the agency.
It is a loan programme that offers small, low-interest loans to help you start or expand a business. It is designed for people who may not qualify for regular bank loans.
Microvfinance schemes include micro loans, savings, insurance, and training. They aim to support financial independence and stability for low-income individuals and families.