Ashadeepa Scheme in Dharamshala
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Government of Karnataka (Labour Department)
Guidance for businesses in Dharamshala
The scheme was introduced by the Government of Karnataka in the 2017-18 budget to encourage private sector industries and companies to provide employment opportunities to persons belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories, ensuring social justice.
At a glance
- ESI & EPF contribution (2 years)
- Up to ₹3,000/month per candidate
- Apprentice stipend (2/3rd of stipend)
- Up to ₹5,000/month per candidate
- Post-apprenticeship salary (50%, 2 years)
- Up to ₹7,000/month per candidate
- New-hire salary after 12 June 2024 (2 years)
- Up to ₹6,000/month per candidate
Benefits
ESI & EPF Reimbursement:
- For newly employed SC/ST candidates, ESI and EPF contributions are reimbursed for 2 years, subject to a maximum of ₹3,000/- per month per candidate.
Apprentice Stipend Reimbursement:
- Stipend paid under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 to SC/ST Apprentice Trainees (one-year Normal / two-year Comprehensive Training) is reimbursed up to ₹5,000/- per month per candidate, subject to 2/3rd of the total amount paid.
Post-Apprenticeship Salary:
- If the employer permanently employs the SC/ST candidates it trained, 50% of the salary (up to ₹7,000/- per month per candidate) is reimbursed for two years.
New-Hire Salary:
- For SC/ST candidates newly employed after 12 June 2024, salary is reimbursed for 2 years, up to ₹6,000/- per month per candidate.
Skill Development:
- Skill trainings organized for SC/ST through the Department of Skill Development to encourage self-reliance.
Eligibility
- The applicant should be a resident of Karnataka.
- The applicant should belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- Employment of the applicant should be in a private-sector industry or establishment.
- SC/ST candidates undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, are eligible for stipend reimbursement.
- For candidates who complete an apprenticeship and are subsequently hired on a permanent basis, employers are eligible for reimbursement of a portion of the candidate's salary.
- SC/ST candidates are eligible for skill development training organised by the Department of Skill Development, Government of Karnataka.
Documents required
- Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate
- Employment Proof
- Apprenticeship Details (If applicable)
- Bank Account Details
- Proof of ESI and EPF Contribution
- Salary or Stipend Records
- Any other documents as required
How to apply
- 1
Visit the official website of the Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board.
- 2
Scroll down and click on the 'Ashadeepa Scheme'.
- 3
Click on 'Apply' to apply for the scheme.
- 4
A new page will open. Fill out all required fields — Name of Company/Firm/Establishment, Nature of Business, Name of the Managing Director/Partner, and other relevant information.
- 5
6:
- Upload the required documents (List of ESI numbers and List of EPF numbers of the employees) and click Submit to complete the application.
About the scheme
The Ashadeepa Scheme, introduced by the Government of Karnataka in the 2017-18 budget, encourages private-sector industries and companies to employ SC/ST candidates by reimbursing employers for ESI/EPF contributions, apprentice stipends, and salaries. It also supports skill development for SC/ST candidates.
Why it matters
- Employer Incentives:
- Reimburses ESI/EPF, stipends, and salaries.
- SC/ST Jobs:
- Encourages private-sector hiring of SC/ST candidates.
- Apprenticeships:
- Stipend reimbursement during training.
- Skill Development:
- Training for SC/ST candidates.
Focus areas
- Employment:
- Private-sector jobs for SC/ST candidates.
- Reimbursements:
- ESI/EPF, stipends, and salaries.
- Skill Development:
- Training for self-reliance.
Is this scheme right for you?
The Ashadeepa Scheme incentivizes Karnataka's private-sector employers to hire and train SC/ST candidates by reimbursing a range of employment costs. If you are an employer hiring SC/ST candidates in Karnataka, this scheme can substantially offset your costs while advancing social justice.
Official links
Links open the issuing department's website. Always confirm the current terms there before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ashadeepa Scheme?
The Ashadeepa Scheme is a government initiative launched in 2017–18 to encourage private sector employers in Karnataka to hire candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, by offering financial reimbursements.
Who implements the Ashadeepa Scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Karnataka State Workers Welfare and Social Security (Ashadeepa Scheme) Society (R) under the Labour Department of Karnataka.
What is the main objective of the Scheme?
The scheme aims to create employment opportunities for SC/ST candidates in the private sector and improve their socio-economic condition through job placements and skill training.
What kind of financial support is offered to employers?
Employers receive reimbursements for: ESI & EPF contributions, Stipends paid during apprenticeship, Salaries of newly hired SC/ST candidates, Salaries post-apprenticeship recruitment
Who is eligible for the Scheme?
To be eligible, the candidate must: Be a resident of Karnataka, Belong to the SC or ST category, Be employed in a private-sector company or industry
Are apprentices covered under this scheme?
Yes. SC/ST candidates undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, are eligible for stipend reimbursement to the employer.
What is reimbursed to employers for apprenticeship training?
Employers are reimbursed up to ₹5,000 per month per apprentice, subject to 2/3rd of the actual stipend paid during one-year normal or two-year comprehensive training.
What if a company hires the apprentice after training?
If an SC/ST apprentice is hired permanently, the employer is reimbursed 50% of the salary, up to ₹7,000/month, for a period of two years.
Is salary reimbursement available for direct recruitment?
Yes. For SC/ST candidates directly employed after June 12, 2024, the employer is eligible for salary reimbursement up to ₹6,000/month for two years.
What is the reimbursement limit for ESI and EPF contributions?
Employers can claim reimbursement up to ₹3,000 per month per candidate for 2 years for contributions made towards ESI and EPF.
Is skill development training provided under this scheme?
Yes. The scheme supports Skill Development Training for SC/ST candidates through the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Karnataka.
Can candidates apply for the scheme individually?
No. The application must be submitted by the employer, not the individual candidate.
How does an employer apply for the Scheme?
Employers can apply online via the Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board website by filling out the Ashadeepa Scheme form and uploading required documents. https://kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in/ashadeepaschemeform
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