Sikkim Skilled Youth Startup Scheme

 

Empowering Youth Through Entrepreneurship: Sikkim’s Skilled Youth Startup Scheme Explained

In a bid to reduce unemployment and promote entrepreneurship, the Government of Sikkim launched a progressive initiative known as the Skilled Youth Startup Scheme. Introduced on 15th August 2020, this scheme has emerged as a key driver for self-reliance among the educated yet jobless youth of the state. It offers a blend of financial support, training, and hand-holding to help individuals establish their own income-generating ventures across rural and urban Sikkim.

Let’s delve into the key features, eligibility rules, benefits, and application process of this impactful scheme. Read Skilled Youth Startup Scheme Complete Details Here Also.

What is the Sikkim Skilled Youth Startup Scheme?

The Skilled Youth Startup Scheme (SYSS) is an employment-linked financial aid program governed by the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Sikkim. It is designed to offer back-ended subsidies on business projects, encouraging the youth to become self-employed rather than depend on conventional job markets.

The scheme is not available online—interested applicants must submit an offline form through their local District Industries Centre (DIC) at either Gangtok or Jorethang.

Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme primarily targets educated, unemployed residents of Sikkim who aspire to launch their own small or medium-scale ventures. It seeks to:

• Create self-employment avenues in various sectors.

• Provide capital assistance through subsidies and loans.

• Foster entrepreneurship among rural and urban youth.

• Boost economic development at the grassroots level.

Sector-Wise Opportunities Under the Scheme

This initiative is sector-inclusive, offering support for a broad range of businesses. Eligible applicants can propose business plans in areas such as:

• Agriculture and Allied Services

• Animal Husbandry

• Horticulture and Organic Farming

• Food Processing Units

• Handloom and Handicrafts

• Manufacturing and Fabrication

• Tourism and Hospitality Services

• Retail Trade and Small Shops

• Service-based Enterprises like beauty salons, diagnostic labs, coaching centres, etc.

Financial Assistance: Subsidy & Contribution Breakdown

One of the most appealing aspects of this scheme is its generous financial aid structure:

• BPL Category applicants are entitled to 50% subsidy on their total project cost.

• Other eligible applicants can avail 35% subsidy.

• The maximum subsidy amount under the scheme is ₹7 lakh.

• Beneficiaries must contribute between 5% and 15% of the project cost from their own resources.

• The remaining amount is to be arranged via bank loans or financial institutions.

• Post loan approval and training, the government will release the subsidy as a fixed deposit in the beneficiary’s name.

Eligibility Conditions

To qualify for assistance under this scheme, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Must be a permanent resident of Sikkim with a valid Certificate of Identification (COI) or Sikkim Subject Certificate.

• Should be aged between 18 and 45 years.

• Must be unemployed at the time of application.

• Should have passed at least Class 5.

• Must not belong to a family with annual income exceeding ₹8 lakh.

• Should possess any technical or vocational certificate relevant to the proposed business.

• A trade license for the proposed activity is compulsory.

• Only one applicant per family is allowed to apply.

Who is Not Eligible?

While the scheme is inclusive, there are specific exclusions:

• Children of government employees are not eligible.

• Applicants who have previously received benefits under PMEGP or the Chief Minister’s Startup Scheme cannot apply.

• Individuals who are defaulters of any bank or financial institution are disqualified.

• Applicants with family income above ₹8 lakh per annum are not eligible for subsidy.

Mandatory Documentation

The following documents need to be attached with the offline application:

• Certificate of Identification / Residential Proof

• Educational Certificates and Mark Sheets

• Birth Certificate

• Two Passport-Size Photographs

• Project Proposal (2 copies)

• Voter ID or Panchayat Certificate

• BPL Certificate (if applicable)

• Lease Agreement or Land Document (Parcha)

• Income Certificate issued by BDO/SDM

• Unemployment Registration Card

• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

• Valid Trade License

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Collect the application form from the DIC office at Gangtok or Jorethang.

2. Fill out the form carefully and attach all required documents.

3. Submit the completed form to the DIC office for initial scrutiny.

4. A selection committee led by the General Manager of the DIC will verify eligibility and approve the proposal.

5. Selected applicants will be invited to attend a 5-day Entrepreneur Development Programme (EDP).

6. Upon completion of training and after loan disbursement, the government will deposit the subsidy amount as a fixed deposit in the beneficiary’s bank.

7. The applicant must repay the loan with applicable interest over time.

Where to Get Help?

For queries, applicants can reach out to the Department of Commerce and Industries via:

• Phone: 03592-202746 / 9609876534 / 9775979806

• Email: sikkimindustries@gmail.com

• Address:
  Udyog Bhawan, Below Sikkim Press,
  Upper Tadong, Gangtok – 737102, Sikkim

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Youth Startup Scheme is a well-thought-out initiative to uplift Sikkim's unemployed youth by supporting their entrepreneurial ambitions. By combining financial backing with capacity-building training, the scheme lays a strong foundation for self-employment and economic self-sufficiency. If you are a young Sikkimese looking to make a mark through your own business, this scheme could be your launchpad.