Introduction Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme is a women-centric entrepreneurship support programme launched by the Government of Kerala for Scheduled Caste (SC) women. The scheme offers financial assistance to registered Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for establishing new business ventures and expanding existing enterprises. Named after Dakshayani Velayudhan, the initiative aims to strengthen economic independence, encourage self-employment, and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities among SC women across the state. Under the scheme, eligible SHGs can receive a subsidy covering 75% of the approved project cost for new enterprises, subject to a maximum assistance of ₹10 lakh. Existing enterprises that have been operating successfully for at least two years can avail expansion support of up to ₹5 lakh. The remaining project cost may be arranged through bank loans or assistance from the SC/ST Development Corporation. The scheme is currently being implemented as a pilot project in Palakkad district. Detailed operational guidelines, application procedures, and implementation schedules are expected to be notified by the Kerala Government in subsequent phases. Benefits Subsidy of 75% of the total project cost for starting a new enterprise. Financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh for eligible new business projects. Expansion subsidy up to ₹5 lakh for existing enterprises. Support for income-generating and self-employment activities. Bank loan or SC/ST Development Corporation assistance can be used for the remaining project cost. Promotes entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among SC women. Encourages sustainable group-based business ventures. Eligibility Applicant must be a registered Self-Help Group (SHG) consisting of Scheduled Caste women. All members of the SHG should be 18 years of age or above. The SHG must be registered with a recognized authority or government agency. The group should propose a viable income-generating or self-employment project. For expansion assistance, the existing enterprise must be operational for at least two years. The project must satisfy conditions prescribed by the implementing department. Priority Categories: Women from BPL families. Single mothers and widows. Transgender persons. Women registered with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). Women registered with NORKA. Professionally qualified unemployed women. Documents Aadhaar Card of all SHG members. Scheduled Caste Community Certificate. SHG Registration Certificate. Age Proof of all members. Detailed Project Report (DPR) or Business Proposal. Bank Account Details of the SHG. Loan Sanction Letter, if applicable. Proof of business operation for at least two years (for expansion assistance). Income Certificate or BPL Certificate, if applicable. Documents supporting priority category claims. Passport-size Photograph of the authorized representative. Any other document prescribed by the department. Process to Apply Ensure the SHG is properly registered with the competent authority. Prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed enterprise. Collect all required supporting documents. Submit the application through the authority notified by the Government. The department will verify eligibility, documents, and project feasibility. Approved SHGs will receive subsidy assistance as per scheme provisions. Note: The official application process and application form have not yet been released by the Kerala Government. Important Links and Contact Kerala SC/ST Development Corporation: SC Development Department Phone: 0487-2331064, 0487-2331469 Email: ksdcsection@gmail.com FAQs Q1. What is the Keralam Dakshayani Self-Entrepreneurship Assistance Scheme?It is a Kerala Government initiative that provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for starting new enterprises and expanding existing businesses. Q2. Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?Registered Self-Help Groups consisting exclusively of SC women aged 18 years or above are eligible to apply, subject to the prescribed conditions. Q3. What subsidy is available for new enterprises?Eligible SHGs can receive a subsidy of 75% of the approved project cost, with a maximum financial assistance limit of ₹10 lakh. Q4. Is financial assistance available for expanding an existing business?Yes. SHGs operating a successful enterprise for at least two years can avail expansion assistance of up to ₹5 lakh. Q5. Can the remaining project cost be financed through a loan?Yes. The balance project cost may be financed through bank loans or assistance from the SC/ST Development Corporation. Q6. Which groups may receive priority under the scheme?Preference may be given to SHGs comprising BPL women, widows, single mothers, transgender persons, KSUM-registered women, NORKA-registered women, and professionally qualified unemployed women. Q7. Has the application process started?The scheme has been announced, but the detailed application procedure and guidelines are yet to be notified by the Government of Kerala. Q8. Where was the scheme launched initially?The scheme has been introduced as a pilot project in Palakkad district and may be extended to other districts based on its implementation outcomes.