VISVAS Scheme Loan for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes India

Overview

VISVAS (Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ki Aarthik Sahayata Yojana) is a central government scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It provides financial assistance in the form of loans to individuals from Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs).

The scheme addresses the unique economic vulnerabilities of these historically marginalized communities.

Objective

The scheme aims to provide affordable credit to individuals from DNT, NT, and SNT communities who lack access to mainstream financial institutions. It enables them to start income-generating activities, improve livelihoods, and integrate more fully into the economic mainstream.

Benefits

• Loans for income-generating and self-employment activities
• Concessional interest rates
• Repayment schedule tailored to the earning capacity of beneficiaries
• Subsidy component available under specific sub-schemes
• Loans channeled through the Development and Finance Corporation for DNTs

Eligibility

• Individual belonging to a notified Denotified Tribe, Nomadic Tribe, or Semi-Nomadic Tribe
• Annual family income within the ceiling specified under the scheme
• Age between 18 and 55 years
• Proposed activity must be for income-generation
• Should not have defaulted on previous government loans

Exclusions

• Applicants not belonging to notified DNT, NT, or SNT communities
• Family income above the prescribed ceiling
• Individuals with prior loan defaults
• Activities that are not income-generating or are speculative

Application Process

1. Contact the nearest district welfare office or the designated State Channelizing Agency
2. Obtain and fill in the VISVAS scheme application form
3. Attach the DNT/NT/SNT community certificate and other required documents
4. Submit the form to the sanctioning authority
5. Verification of community status and income is conducted
6. Loan is sanctioned and disbursed to the applicant’s bank account

Documents Required

• DNT, NT, or SNT community certificate from competent authority
• Income certificate
• Proof of residence
• Aadhaar card
• Bank account passbook
• Business or activity plan
• Passport-size photographs