Over 2,900 Beneficiaries in Rajkot Receive Loans Through Vajpayee Bankable Scheme: Gujarat Official
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
In Gandhinagar, on March 9 (NationPress), the Gujarat government announced that over 2,900 individuals in the Rajkot district have received loan support through the Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme within the last year. This revelation was made during a session of the state Assembly on Monday.
While addressing an Assembly member's inquiry, Swarupji Thakor, the Minister of State for Khadi, Cottage and Rural Industries, stated that a total of 4,157 applications were submitted in Rajkot district under this scheme by December 31, 2025.
All applications were forwarded to banks for review. “From these, banks approved 2,913 applications, granting loans to the beneficiaries,” Thakor elaborated in his response.
He also shared insights into the scheme's progress in the Kutch district.
According to the minister, 1,919 applications were received in Kutch during the same timeframe, with 1,915 being recommended to banks.
Banks subsequently approved 1,463 of these applications, providing financial aid to the applicants.
Thakor further updated the Assembly that the financial ceilings under the scheme have been recently enhanced.
Previously, loans were capped at Rs 8 lakh, with subsidy assistance limited to Rs 1.25 lakh.
“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a significant decision has been made to increase the loan limit to Rs 25 lakh and the subsidy limit to Rs 3.75 lakh,” he stated.
The Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme aims to provide financial assistance in the form of loans and subsidies to foster small businesses, industries, and service-sector initiatives.
This initiative is accessible to citizens of Gujarat aged between 18 and 65 who have completed at least 4th grade or possess relevant training or experience.
There are no income restrictions for applicants under this program. Eligible individuals can apply online via the official portal, after which nationalized or cooperative banks may provide loans upon approval.
The government emphasized that the scheme's objective is to assist individuals in initiating or expanding small enterprises by enhancing access to institutional credit and promoting self-employment.