Gatidhara Scheme: The Government of West Bengal, especially in the transportation sector, launched the Gatidhara Scheme to create livelihood opportunities. The Gatidhara Scheme was launched in August 2014. This state government scheme aims to help unemployed people earn an income by investing in commercial vehicles, such as taxis, trucks, or other goods and passenger-carrying vehicles.
Under this scheme, beneficiaries are provided with assistance in the form of subsidies and loans at low interest rates so that they can purchase small commercial vehicles, which not only helps them earn a steady income but also makes them feel empowered and self-reliant.
Gatidhara Scheme: Overview
| Name of the Scheme | Gatidhara Scheme |
| Department | West Bengal Transport Department |
| State | West Bengal |
| Launch Date | 2014 |
| Launched By | CM Mamata Banerjee |
| Purpose | To employ unemployed youth in West Bengal |
| Mode of Application | Offline |
| Official Website | wb.gov.in |
Objective of the Gatidhara Scheme:
- The main objective of this state government project is to help unemployed individuals create self-employment opportunities in the transportation sector.
- This scheme is specifically aimed at unemployed people from marginalised communities, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and low-income groups. This restriction has been set so that only poor people can benefit from this scheme.
- The goal of the Gatidhara Scheme is to stimulate investment in commercial vehicles, thereby boosting the local automobile and transportation sector. This will not only help people create employment for themselves but also contribute to the development of the transportation sector.
Eligibility Criteria for the Gatidhara Scheme
Interested individuals must meet all the eligibility criteria to apply for this project. For better understanding, the criteria are as follows:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of the state of West Bengal.
- The applicant’s name must be in the Employment Bank of the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal.
- All applicants should be between 25 and 45 years of age. Please note that there is a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST certificate holders and 3 years for Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificate holders.
- The applicant’s family’s monthly income must be less than 25,000 rupees.
How to Apply for the Gatidhara Scheme
- Download the application form, affidavit, and income certificate.
- Attach all the required documents.
- Submit them to the office of the Joint Director of Employment, Kolkata District, in the case of the Kolkata municipal corporation area, or to the respective sub-divisional officer (SDO).
- Choose a lender for the loan necessary to purchase a car.
- The vehicle would be registered within one month of receiving the permit and subsidy offer letter from the scheme.
- The ‘Gatidhara Scheme’ is facilitated by authorised vehicle dealers.
Documents Required for the Gatidhara Scheme
To avail these benefits, you need the following documents:
- Identity proof
- Proof of address
- Proof of enrollment in Employment Bank
- Proof of age
- Family income certificate
- Caste certificate
- Passport-size photo
- Bank of details
Advantages of the Gatidhara Scheme:
- The primary benefit of this scheme is the financial assistance provided in the form of a subsidy, which can go up to 30% of the ex-showroom price, with a maximum of 1 lakh rupees for purchasing commercial vehicles. This subsidy enables unemployed individuals to buy a new commercial vehicle without any additional financial burden.
- Beneficiaries are also given priority when applying for transport permits, which is extremely important for legally starting operations in the country.
- This state government scheme helps the residents of West Bengal to be independent and self-reliant for a better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
When was this scheme launched?
This scheme was launched in August 2014.
Which is the implementing agency of the Gatidhara Scheme?
West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Department Corporation Limited (WBTIDCL) is the implementing agency of this scheme.
What are the benefits of this scheme?
The beneficiary receives a grant subsidy for purchasing any commercial vehicle.
What is the rate of the subsidy?
The rate of subsidy is 30% of the ex-showroom price of the vehicle, subject to a maximum of Rs.1 lakh.
