Explore government loan schemes designed to empower Safai Karamcharis with financial support for self-employment and growth.
The Sanitary Marts Scheme is a loan-based initiative designed to support safai karamcharis, manual scavengers and their dependents by helping them establish income-generating activities. Through this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can set up sanitary marts, which are small retail outlets that supply sanitation-related products, cleaning materials, hygiene items and minor sanitation equipment.
This page outlines the objectives, benefits, eligibility conditions and step-by-step application process for the scheme.
A Sanitary Mart is a small entrepreneurial unit that sells sanitation and cleaning products, equipment and hygiene essentials. It often operates at the community level and provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for safai karamcharis and their families.
The Sanitary Marts Scheme aims to offer concessional financing to eligible individuals and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) so that they can set up and run such retail units with minimal financial burden.
The main objectives of the Sanitary Marts Scheme are listed below:
To provide concessional loans for setting up sanitary marts and similar income-generating activities.
To support rehabilitation and financial independence of safai karamcharis and manual scavengers.
To encourage entrepreneurship among beneficiaries and their families.
To facilitate access to sanitation equipment and cleaning materials within communities.
To promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through small-scale retail operations.
The scheme offers several important advantages to beneficiaries:
Concessional loan assistance of up to ₹15 lakh for setting up and operating sanitary marts.
Effective interest rate of 4% p.a. or lower.
Loan repayment tenure of up to 10 years along with implementation period of 4 months and moratorium period of 6 months.
Special interest rebate of 1% p.a. for women beneficiaries.
Extra interest rebate of 0.5% p.a. on timely repayments.
Beneficiaries are required to make a small promoter contribution, which varies depending on the category. Key conditions include:
Minimum margin money (10% of total cost) contribution from the applicant.
Lower promoter contribution requirements for target beneficiaries.
Additional support through SHGs where applicable.
Flexibility in contribution norms for vulnerable groups.
The repayment structure is designed to be manageable for small entrepreneurs:
Loan repayment spread over a reasonable tenure of up to 10 years.
Instalments structured to suit micro-businesses.
A 4-month implementation period is allowed.
A moratorium period of 6 months provided.
Moratorium applicable on both principal repayment and installment commencement.
Flexibility offered through staggered repayment schedules (quarterly installments).
To apply for the Sanitary Marts Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Safai karamcharis, manual scavengers, and their dependents are eligible.
Individuals identified under relevant rehabilitation schemes can apply.
Self-Help Groups of safai karamcharis are covered.
Applicants may be required to submit caste or occupation certificates.
SHGs must follow standard norms for group formation.
Beneficiaries engaged in sanitation-related occupations receive priority.
The following categories are not eligible:
Individuals who do not belong to the target beneficiary group.
Businesses unrelated to sanitation, hygiene or cleaning equipment.
Applicants with incomplete documentation.
Applicants who have defaulted on earlier loans without rectification.
Applicants are expected to provide:
Identity proof and address proof.
Category certificate or occupation certificate, if applicable.
NSKFDC application form.
Passport-size photographs.
SHG resolution and group documents (for group applications).
Business plan or activity proposal for the sanitary mart.
Bank account details.
Applicants can follow the steps below to apply for the scheme.
Online Application
Visit the official portal of the implementing agency.
Download the NSKFDC application form or fill in the online version if available.
Upload the required documents and business proposal.
Submit the form and await verification by the concerned authority.
Offline Application
Approach the District Social Welfare Office or designated nodal agency.
Collect the NSKFDC application form.
Complete the form with accurate details and attach the required documents.
Submit the application to the office and obtain an acknowledgment.
The scheme follows a structured sanction process:
Application screening by the nodal agency.
Verification of category certificate, identity documents and SHG details.
Assessment of business proposal for setting up the sanitary mart.
Approval of loan amount based on requirement and norms.
Execution of loan agreement after sanction.
Disbursement of funds directly to the beneficiary’s account or through the SHG structure.
| Scheme Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) |
Financial assistance for livelihood generation. |
Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) |
Loans for sanitation-related businesses and equipment. |
NSKFDC Loan Schemes |
Concessional loans for safai karamcharis and dependents. |
The Sanitary Marts Scheme plays an important role in supporting safai karamcharis and their families by enabling sustainable income opportunities. For additional financial support to expand your enterprise further, you may explore solutions such as an MSME loan or an instant business loan from Bajaj Markets to help meet working capital and growth needs.
The scheme provides an initial moratorium period during which repayment does not begin. This allows the beneficiary time to set up operations and stabilise the business.
No. The scheme is specifically designed for safai karamcharis, manual scavengers and their dependents, and not for the general unorganised workforce.
The scheme offers concessional loans, interest rebates and support for setting up sanitary marts. Beneficiaries receive financial assistance for stock, equipment and basic shop establishment.
Eligibility is primarily based on beneficiary category rather than income thresholds. However, applicants must meet verification standards laid down by the implementing agency.
Domestic workers are not covered unless they fall under the defined Safai Karamchari category.
Waste pickers may be eligible if they fall within the specified target group and can provide the required documentation.