Financial Assistance Scheme for Purchase of Agricultural Land to Scheduled Caste Farmers in Gujarat: Eligibility, Benefits, Application Process & Key Guidelines

The availability of farmland is one of the key access points to economic autonomy in rural India. In response to this, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat conducts the Financial Assistance Scheme of Purchase of Agricultural Land to Scheduled Caste Farmers under the Director Scheduled Caste Welfare.

This is a long time standing welfare program that was instituted in the year 1986 and its aim is to empower the Scheduled Caste agricultural labourers in Gujarat by affording to buy land and cultivate it by themselves. The scheme has been critical in eliminating economic reliance on farm labour and increasing household income by owning land.

This article gives the most recent updated information in eligibility, benefits, documents that have to be submitted and full online application process.

Overview of the Scheme

  • Scheme Name: Financial Assistance Scheme for Purchase of Agricultural Land to Scheduled Caste Farmers
  • State: Gujarat
  • Launched: 1986
  • Implementing Authority: Director Scheduled Caste Welfare
  • Department: Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Gujarat
  • Target Beneficiaries: Scheduled Caste agricultural labourers
  • Objective: Financial support for purchasing agricultural land (up to 2 acres) for self-cultivation

The program is to facilitate the ownership of land by the marginalised communities and empower their socio-economic status.

Key Benefits

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries are provided with:

  • Financial assistance of ₹1,00,000 /acre.
  • Maximum aid of ₹2,00,000 rupees in up to 2 acres of farmland.
  • Encouragement of buying land by government agencies or individuals.

This aid saves a lot of money to Scheduled Caste farmers who would like to abandon the system of wage-based farm labour towards independent farming.

Eligibility Criteria

The following conditions are obligatory to the applicants:

  1. Should be of the Scheduled Caste category.
  2. Should be a native (domicile) of Gujarat.
  3. Should be an agricultural labourer.
  4. Annual income of the family should not exceed:
    • ₹6,00,000 in rural areas
    • ₹6,00,000 in urban areas
  5. The beneficiary should be in a position to buy the land without the help of the government.
  6. Only one member per family is eligible.
  7. The land bought with the scheme cannot be sold within 15 years.
  8. Assistance is available for purchasing land from government authorities or private sellers.

This scheme is not applicable to applicants who live outside Gujarat.

Application Process (Online)

The qualified candidates should apply via the official e-Samaj Kalyan portal.

Step-by-Step Procedure

  1. Visit the official portal: https://esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in/
  2. On the homepage, under “Citizen Login”, click on “New User – Please Register Here”.
  3. Enter required details such as:
    • Full name (as per Aadhaar)
    • Gender
    • Date of Birth
    • Aadhaar number
    • Email ID
    • Caste details
  4. Click “Register”.
  5. Log in using your User ID and Password.
  6. Click on “User Profile” and update all mandatory information.
  7. After updating, select the scheme from the homepage.
  8. Fill in the application form carefully and upload required documents.
  9. Agree to the terms and conditions and click “Save Application”.
  10. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

This is where applicants are expected to record their application number to monitor the status using the portal.

Documents Required

The following are the documents required to apply:

  • Passport-size photograph
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Caste Certificate issued by competent authority
  • Proof of being an agricultural worker
  • Income Certificate
  • Valid Revenue Department permission for sale of land
  • True copy of revenue account permission for sale
  • Copy of first page of bank passbook or cancelled cheque (in applicant’s name)
  • Any other documents as specified by the department

Make sure that the documents are clear, valid and updated to prevent rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the scheme launched?

The scheme was launched in 1986.

What is the main objective of the scheme?

To offer financial support to the agricultural labourers of the Schedule Caste to acquire agricultural land and to enhance their income through self cultivation.

How much assistance is provided per acre?

₹1,00,000 per acre.

What is the maximum assistance available?

Up to ₹2,00,000 for a maximum of 2 acres.

Who can apply?

Natives of Gujarat, scheduled Caste agricultural labourers who satisfy the income requirements.

What is the income limit?

The income eligibility limit is ₹6 lakh a year both in the rural and urban.

Can the purchased land be sold?

No. The land is not to be sold within the period of 15 years since acquisition date.

Can more than one family member apply?

No. Each family is only allowed one member.

Can land be purchased only from the government?

No. There are two ways of buying land, one through the government and the other through individuals.

Can residents outside Gujarat apply?

No. This scheme is only applicable to the natives of Gujarat.

Conclusion

Financial Assistance Scheme to buy Agricultural land to Scheduled Caste Farmers is a serious welfare scheme in Gujarat which aims to empower marginalised communities by owning farmlands. The government can offer up to 200,000 financial assistance to eligible agricultural labourers, making them independent cultivators and enhancing their economic safety and financial security in the long term.

To benefit out of this scheme, an applicant should register in time using the official e- Samaj Kalyan portal to the applicants who qualify.

For more detailed updates on Government Schemes and Welfare Programmes in India, stay connected with GovtSchemesInfo.Blog.

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