The Government of West Bengal launched the Gatidhara Scheme in 2014. Under this project, unemployed youth can purchase commercial vehicles through government-subsidized loans and earn a living from them. Loans can be availed from any nationalized bank, cooperative bank, or rural bank. A maximum amount of ₹10 lakh has been fixed for purchasing any small or large commercial vehicle under this scheme.
Project and Service Provider:
Transport Department, Government of West Bengal.
Project Objective and Available Services:
The objective of this project is to provide self-employment opportunities in the transportation sector to unemployed youth registered with the Employment Bank.
If an applicant purchases a commercial vehicle, the State Government’s Transport Department will provide a grant of 30% of the total price or a maximum of ₹1 lakh, which does not need to be repaid.
Additionally, financial assistance for the Gatidhara project can be obtained from all nationalized banks, rural banks, cooperative banks, and 13 listed non-banking finance corporations (NBFCs).
Priority is also given for obtaining permits with the help of the Transport Department when purchasing a vehicle under this project.
The West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation is acting as the implementing agency for this project.
Eligibility Criteria:
Age Limit:
- As of April 1st of any year, the applicant must be between 20 and 45 years old.
- For Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs, there is a relaxation of 3 years and 5 years respectively.
Registration:
- The applicant must be registered as unemployed with the Employment Bank.
Family Income:
- The family’s monthly income should not exceed ₹25,000.
Beneficiaries of the Yuvashree Scheme:
- Beneficiaries of the Yuvashree Scheme can also apply for this project. However, the Yuvashree allowance may be discontinued after receiving financial assistance under the Gatidhara project.