Mukhyamantri Swarozgar Yojana Ati Sukshm (Nano) Udhyam 2026

This initiative empowers Scheduled Tribe families in Goa by providing financial help to purchase tourist taxis, opening Read More... doors for self-employment in the state's vibrant tourism sector. Read less

Details

For Scheduled Tribe (ST) families in Goa looking to boost their income, the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, has a special plan. As part of the larger 'Tribals Development Plan', a component allows eligible families to get financial assistance to buy their own tourist taxis. This helps them start a self-employment venture in Goa's busy tourism industry, offering a sustainable way to earn a livelihood. The scheme is managed by the Directorate of Social Welfare (DSW) and implemented through District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs).

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Purchase of Tourist Taxi' component is a specific financial aid program. It's designed to help tribal families in Goa acquire a tourist taxi. This isn't just about owning a vehicle; it's about creating a stable job for yourself in the transport sector, which directly supports Goa's tourism economy. Eligible families receive a subsidy to lower the cost of buying a new taxi.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for families belonging to the Scheduled Tribe communities of Goa. Specifically, it targets those from the Gawda, Velip, or Kunbi communities. To be considered, applicants must be residents of Goa, have an annual family income below ₹1,20,000/-, and be part of a tribal household identified under the Tribals Development Plan. Both Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and non-BPL families meeting the income criteria can apply.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The scheme plays a crucial role in uplifting tribal communities by fostering self-employment. By providing access to essential assets like tourist taxis, it helps individuals transition from traditional occupations to more profitable and sustainable ventures. This not only improves individual family incomes but also contributes to the local economy by enhancing the transport services available for tourists.

Objective

This initiative empowers Scheduled Tribe families in Goa by providing financial help to purchase tourist taxis, opening doors for self-employment in the state's vibrant tourism sector.

Benefits

To strengthen small entrepreneurs and businessmen in rural and urban areas, financing of up to ₹50,000/- is provided through banks for setting up micro enterprises or businesses. This financial assistance is also available for the expansion of existing businesses. The subsidy structure is as follows:

Subsidy for Category A districts: 35% for the general category (maximum ₹17,500/-) and 40% for the special category (maximum ₹20,000/-).
Subsidy for Category B and B+ districts: 30% for the general category (maximum ₹15,000/-) and 35% for the special category (maximum ₹17,500/-).
Subsidy for Category C and D districts: 25% for the general category (maximum ₹12,500/-) and 30% for the special category (maximum ₹15,000/-).

The category-wise classification of districts is provided inAnnexure-2(Page No. 157).

Sources and references

Guidelines (Page No. 149)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community of Goa – specifically Gawda, Velip, or Kunbi.
Must be a permanent resident of Goa.
The applicant's annual family income should not exceed ₹1,20,000/-.
Must be part of a tribal household identified under the Tribals Development Plan.
Applicant's family must be either:

Below the Poverty Line (BPL) category, OR
Non-BPL category with an annual income under ₹1,20,000/-.

Applicant must intend to use the purchased vehicle for self-employment in the tourism or transport sector.
Must possess, or be in the process of obtaining, a valid driving licence and the necessary vehicle registration documents before the subsidy is released.

How To Apply

The application process for this scheme is offline. Interested and eligible candidates need to visit the designated offices to submit their applications:

Fill out the application form completely.
Attach all the required documents as specified.
Submit the application form and supporting documents at the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) or the District Welfare Office under the Directorate of Social Welfare.

Applications are accepted at district and taluka-level offices. Please refer to the official notification for the exact submission address.

Documents Required

To apply for this scheme, you will need to provide the following documents:

At the Application Stage:

Caste Certificate (to prove belonging to Gawda, Velip, or Kunbi community).
Proof of Residence (like a Residence Certificate or Ration Card).
Income Certificate (issued by the Competent Authority).
Proof of BPL status, if applicable.
Valid Driving Licence (LMV – Light Motor Vehicle) or proof of applying for it.
Recent Passport-size Photographs.
Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card).

At the Benefit Disbursal Stage (after application approval):

Proforma Invoice or Bill for the Tourist Taxi you plan to purchase.
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC Book) once the vehicle is registered.
Your Bank Account Details (a copy of your Cancelled Cheque or Bank Passbook).

FAQ’s

What if I want to buy a second tourist taxi later, can I get the subsidy again?

No, this subsidy is a one-time financial support. You can avail it only once per eligible household for purchasing a tourist taxi.

What is the main goal behind offering this subsidy for purchasing tourist taxis?

The primary aim is to help Scheduled Tribe families achieve economic independence and create sustainable self-employment opportunities by supporting their ventures in the tourism and transport sector.

Can the taxi purchased with the subsidy be used for personal travel?

No, the tourist taxi bought with this financial assistance must be used exclusively for self-employment and earning a livelihood in the tourism or transport field.

What type of financial aid is available for tribal families wanting to enter the transport business?

Eligible Scheduled Tribe families can receive a subsidy to help them buy a tourist taxi, which they can then use for self-employment.

What proof do I need to show that I belong to a specific tribal community?

You will need to submit a Caste Certificate that clearly states you belong to one of the eligible Scheduled Tribe communities in Goa, such as Gawda, Velip, or Kunbi.

If my family is below the poverty line, how much subsidy will I receive?

For Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, the total subsidy amounts to ₹25,000/-. This is made up of ₹10,000/- from the DRDA under SGSY and ₹15,000/- from the Directorate of Social Welfare.

Will I get the subsidy if I am not BPL but my family income is still low?

Yes, if your family is not BPL but your annual income is less than ₹1,20,000/-, you are eligible to receive a subsidy of ₹15,000/- from the Directorate of Social Welfare.

What documents are generally required when I apply for this assistance?

Key documents include your Caste Certificate, Residence Certificate, Income Certificate, and Identity Proof like an Aadhaar Card. If you are BPL, you'll need proof of that too. A driving licence or proof of application for one is also necessary.

How many families are expected to benefit from this scheme annually?

The scheme aims to provide assistance to approximately 50 tribal households every financial year.

What happens if the taxi is sold or transferred shortly after I receive the subsidy?

If the vehicle is not used for its intended purpose, transferred, or misused, the Directorate of Social Welfare reserves the right to withdraw or recall the subsidy granted.

Where do I need to submit my application form?

Your completed application form, along with all supporting documents, should be submitted at the local office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) or the District Welfare Office under the Directorate of Social Welfare.

Does the applicant need to have a driving license already?

Yes, you must either possess a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence or have initiated the application process for one before the subsidy can be disbursed.

What is the maximum annual income allowed to be eligible for this scheme?

To qualify for this assistance, your family's total annual income must be below ₹1,20,000/-.

Are there any specific tribal communities in Goa that are eligible for this subsidy?

Yes, the scheme is exclusively for applicants who belong to the Gawda, Velip, or Kunbi communities, which are recognised as Scheduled Tribes in Goa.