Economic Empowerment Through the Sensitive Initiative of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur: Under the leadership of **Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma**, the state government is taking significant steps toward the **economic empowerment of marginalized sections of society**. The government is implementing several programs focused on **self-employment, skill development, and vocational training**, enabling beneficiaries to become **self-reliant and independent**. With the spirit of **Antyodaya** at its core, the state government is effectively implementing policies and schemes to move decisively toward a **developed, inclusive, and empowered Rajasthan**.

In this direction, a notable initiative has been undertaken by the **Rajasthan Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe Finance and Development Cooperative Corporation Limited**, functioning under the **Department of Social Justice and Empowerment**. During the financial year **2024–25**, the Corporation approved **concessional loans worth approximately ₹20 crore** for **1,381 beneficiaries**, including **Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, sanitation workers, and persons with disabilities**. These loans are aimed at creating new opportunities for self-employment.

Aligned with the Chief Minister’s **visionary approach**, the objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance for **self-employment, business expansion, and education**, enabling beneficiaries to become **job creators rather than job seekers**. This initiative is proving to be a significant step toward the economic upliftment of **Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, persons with disabilities, and sanitation workers**.

### Loan Benefits Extended to Various Sections

Ensuring that public welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries, the Corporation approved loans during the previous year as follows:

* **₹7.52 crore** to **671 beneficiaries** from the Scheduled Caste category
* **₹3.25 crore** to **325 beneficiaries** from the Scheduled Tribe category
* **₹3.81 crore** to **106 sanitation workers**
* **₹58.08 lakh** to **51 persons with disabilities**

In total, loans amounting to approximately **₹20 crore** were distributed among eligible beneficiaries from different sections.

### Online Application Process Completed for 2025–26

Under the sensitive and proactive leadership of the Chief Minister, the **online loan application process for the financial year 2025–26** has also been completed. Against a target of **3,470 beneficiaries**, the Corporation received **15,635 applications**, reflecting the **growing public trust** in the scheme. During **January 2026**, district-level loan selection committees will conduct interviews across districts. After document verification by selected applicants, the loan amounts will be transferred **directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT**.

### Loan Approvals Through Banks as Well

Under the **Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan**, loans are also being facilitated through **nationalized and private banks**. Against a target of **3,400 beneficiaries**, loans have already been sanctioned for **2,670 individuals** through various banks. Additionally, under the **Pradhan Mantri Scheduled Caste Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)**, eligible beneficiaries are provided a **grant of 50 percent of the project cost or up to ₹50,000, whichever is lower**. For the financial year **2025–26**, grants totaling **₹452 lakh** have already been approved for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries.

With effective leadership and a strong commitment to **Antyodaya**, the state government stands firmly with every needy section of society. By providing financial support and opportunities, the government continues to work relentlessly toward its goal of building a **self-reliant and empowered Rajasthan**.