R&D Reimbursement Scheme 2026

Kerala's Backward Communities Development Department offers financial aid up to ₹25,000 through the Barbershop Renovation Grant to Read More... help traditional barbers in rural areas modernize their shops. Read less

Details

Traditional barbers in Kerala play a vital role in society, but many face challenges in keeping their businesses updated in today's modern world. To support these skilled professionals and improve their working conditions, the Government of Kerala has introduced the Barbershop Renovation Grant.

What Is This Scheme?

The Barbershop Renovation Grant is a financial assistance program by the Backward Communities Development Department of Kerala. It aims to help traditional barbers modernize their shops, making them more hygienic and professional. This initiative is designed to boost the dignity and living standards of barbers while ensuring public health through improved shop infrastructure.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for traditional barbers who are permanent residents of Kerala and belong to the State's Other Backward Communities. Applicants must have at least ten years of work experience and be currently practicing their trade. The barbershop itself must be located in a rural area, and the applicant's annual family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000/-. The age limit for applicants is 60 years.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The grant is crucial for several reasons. It helps preserve the traditional barber profession by enabling modernization. By improving the workspace, it enhances the living standards of the barbers. The scheme also raises public awareness about government support for this community and contributes to public health by promoting hygienic barbering environments.

Objective

Kerala's Backward Communities Development Department offers financial aid up to ₹25,000 through the Barbershop Renovation Grant to help traditional barbers in rural areas modernize their shops.

Benefits

50% of R&D expenses, including salaries of PhD holders employed by startups, will be reimbursed for a period of two years, subject to a cap of ₹ 5,00,000 per annum. The salary component must not be in excess of ₹ 2,00,000.Number of SlotsThis benefit can be availed by a maximum of 100 startups each year.ValidityThe applicant can avail of the benefits of this scheme bi-annually/ annually.DisbursalOnce the application is approved by the SPC, the approved amount shall be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.NOTE:Under no circumstance shall the benefits under this scheme be considered an entitlement. The SPC shall reserve the sole right to accept or reject applications.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
You should belong to the State's Other Backward Communities.
You must be a traditional barber currently practicing the profession.
Your barbershop must be located in a rural area.
Your annual family income from all sources should not be more than ₹1,00,000/-.
You need to have at least ten years of work experience and be actively working as a barber.
Your age should not be more than 60 years.

Additional Preferences:

Priority will be given to those working in rural areas and physically challenged individuals.
Shops with a seating capacity of fewer than three seats will receive preference.
Applicants registered with Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs) will be preferred.
Applicants with two daughters will be given preference.
Preference will be given to those doing self-employment as a service profession.
Only one beneficiary will be selected from each Panchayat.
If there are more than 1000 eligible applications based on seniority from LSGDs, the number of beneficiaries will be limited to 1000.

Selection Parameters (Up to 100 Marks):

BPL family status: 20 marks
Having two daughters: 10 marks
Having more than two daughters: 20 marks
Shops with less than 3 seats: 20 marks
Differently-abled applicant: 20 marks
More than 10-15 years of experience: 6 marks
More than 15-20 years of experience: 8 marks
Above 20 years of experience: 10 marks

In case of a tie in marks, preference will be given to the applicant with a lower annual family income.

How To Apply

Applicants need to submit a fully filled application form along with all required documents to the concerned Grama Panchayath. The specific submission process and application forms can be obtained from the local Grama Panchayath offices.

Documents Required

Please attach the following documents with your application form:

Recent photograph of the applicant.
Photograph of the barbershop.
Caste Certificate (if applicable).
Income Certificate.
Experience Certificate (issued by the President/Secretary of Local Self Government Departments).
Copy of Ration Card.
Copy of Identity Proof.
Copy of Aadhaar Card.
Proof of shop ownership or a copy of the tenant-rent agreement if the shop is rented.
Personal Bank Account details of the applicant.
Certificate from the concerned authority if registered under LSGDs.
Physical Disability Certificate (if applicable).

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the Barbershop Renovation Grant?

The main goal is to improve the working conditions and equipment of traditional barbershops, helping traditional barbers overcome their challenges and enhance their living standards.

Who is responsible for implementing this scheme?

The Backward Communities Development Department of the Government of Kerala is implementing this scheme.

How much financial aid can a barber receive under this grant?

Eligible beneficiaries can receive a maximum grant of ₹25,000/-.

What can the grant money be used for?

The grant can be used to buy new instruments and furniture, germ-killing equipment, sterilizing instruments, disposable towels, and to generally improve the hygiene of the barbershop.

Does this scheme only apply to barbers in city areas?

No, this scheme is specifically for barbershops located in rural areas.

What is the income limit for applicants?

The annual family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹1,00,000/-.

What is the minimum work experience required to apply?

Applicants must have at least ten years of work experience and be currently active in the profession.

Is there an age restriction for applicants?

Yes, applicants should not be older than 60 years.

How is the grant amount paid to the beneficiary?

The grant is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account. For smaller amounts (up to ₹5,000/-), it's a single payment. For larger amounts, it's split into two installments (60% and 40%).

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You'll need photos of yourself and your shop, caste and income certificates, an experience certificate, ration card, identity and Aadhaar proof, shop ownership details, bank account details, and possibly a disability certificate if applicable.

Where should I submit my application?

Your completely filled application form and all supporting documents should be submitted to your local Grama Panchayath.