Jago Scheme: The West Bengal Government is providing ₹5 lakh each to women of Self-Help Groups. Check how to apply.

The Jago Scheme is a special initiative by the Government of West Bengal for women. Previously, the West Bengal government had already introduced several schemes for women’s advancement and financial support, such as Kanyashree, Rupashree, and Yuvashree.

However, this new scheme aims to ensure the safety of women belonging to financially self-help groups. By enrolling their names in this project, women can receive a one-time annual financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh. Now let’s take a look at the detailed information about this scheme.

Overview of Jago Scheme

What is Jago Scheme ?

To ensure the safety of financially self-reliant women and to support their future, the state government has launched the Jago Scheme. After being elected as Chief Minister for the third time, Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself named this project to ensure the protection of women in the state.

Under this project, nearly 10 lakh women belonging to self-help groups in the state have been promised financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each, and a total budget of ₹5,000 crore has been allocated for this scheme. However, before enrolling in this project, candidates must meet certain conditions—

Eligibility Criteria for Jago Scheme

The main conditions that applicants must fulfill for registration under this project are:

• The candidate must be associated with a Self-Help Group (SHG) for at least five years or more.
• The bank passbook of the concerned SHG must be at least six months old or older.
• The SHG must have a minimum bank balance of ₹5,000.
• The SHG must be registered under the term loan category, meaning they must have taken a loan from a bank at least once. SHGs that have never taken a bank loan cannot apply for this scheme.

Who Can Apply for the Jago Scheme?

• Women belonging to Self-Help Groups are eligible to apply.
• Currently, there are around 10 lakh self-help groups across the state, each consisting of 10 women.
  These women will receive ₹5,000 annually as financial assistance if they apply.
• In addition, each SHG will be provided with a credit card, through which they can spend extra money if needed.
• Registered beneficiaries will also receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹2 lakh per year.

Who Cannot Apply for the Jago Scheme?

• Women who are not part of a Self-Help Group cannot apply.
• SHGs that have never taken a bank loan cannot apply.
• SHGs with a monthly income above ₹2 lakh are not eligible.
• If an SHG cannot provide proper proof during the application, they cannot apply.

Documents Required to Apply for the Jago Scheme

• Applicant’s Aadhaar Card or Voter ID as proof of nationality.
• All related documents of the Self-Help Group.
• Complete details of the SHG’s bank account.
• Applicant’s recent passport-sized color photograph.

How to Apply for the Jago Scheme

Applicants can apply both online and offline.

Offline Application Process

• For offline applications, the concerned SHG must submit a written request to the local BDO office.
• The application form will be provided from the BDO office.
• The form must be filled in correctly with all proper details and submitted to the BDO office within the specified time.

Online Application Process

• To apply online, interested applicants must first visit the official portal and complete the registration.
• Enter the SHG name, location, email ID, and phone number to register.
• After registration, an ID and password will be provided. Use these to log in later.
• Once logged in, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. Submit the OTP to confirm.
• Fill in the SHG details such as group name, date of formation, current location, etc.
  If the group has taken a bank loan before, keep the loan documents ready.
• While uploading documents, upload the SHG registration documents and any previous loan documents.
• After completing the application, recheck the form carefully to ensure there are no mistakes.
• Finally, submit the application.

Some important links of the Jago Scheme: