To reduce unemployment in West Bengal and to create new income opportunities for the youth, the Government of West Bengal has introduced the Karma Sathi Scheme for all unemployed young men and women.

The main objective of this scheme is to provide financial support to economically weak and backward unemployed individuals so that they can create new sources of income. Under this scheme, beneficiaries can receive a one-time loan of up to ₹2 lakh.

So let us now learn more details about the Karma Sathi Scheme.

Overview of Karma Sathi Scheme

What is the Karma Sathi Scheme?

The Karma Sathi Scheme was introduced in 2020 under the initiative of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to provide financial assistance to the unemployed youth across West Bengal. Through this scheme, the government extends financial support to young unemployed individuals and encourages them to participate in business and entrepreneurial activities.

Thanks to this scheme, the unemployment rate in the state has dropped significantly—from 40% to 24%—showing how effective and beneficial the scheme is.
The primary objective of the scheme is to reduce unemployment among the youth and help them achieve financial stability.

Objectives of the Karma Sathi Scheme

• To encourage eligible candidates to start small-scale businesses
• To create employment opportunities for unemployed youth in both rural and urban areas
• To provide financial assistance for establishing future entrepreneurs
• To ensure easy loan access through local cooperative banks
• To provide beneficiaries with the facility of repaying the loan in simple installments and at low interest rates

Benefits of the Karma Sathi Scheme

• Under this scheme, unemployed youth across the state will receive a one-time financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh
• The loan is provided without demanding extra explanations or heavy paperwork
• Beneficiaries can invest the money to start a new business or expand an existing one
• After registering under the scheme, applicants may also receive additional financial support for their business in the future

Who Can Apply for the Karma Sathi Scheme?

To apply for this scheme, the applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal or must have lived in the state for at least 10 years
• Applicants aged 18 to 50 years are eligible
• Must have passed at least Class 8; aspiring entrepreneurs will receive priority
• Only one member per family can apply and receive the ₹2 lakh assistance

Who Cannot Apply for the Karma Sathi Scheme?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply:

• Non-residents of West Bengal or those who have not lived in the state for a long time
• Applicants younger than 18 or older than 50 years
• If any member of the applicant’s family is employed in a government organization or has taken a loan from another bank or financial institution
• Applicants who cannot provide proper business documentation or proof of business registration

Documents Required to Apply for Karma Sathi Scheme

Applicants must provide the following essential documents:

• Proof of permanent residence
• Educational qualification certificates, including Madhyamik or Higher Secondary results
• Aadhar card or Voter ID as proof of nationality
• Recent passport-size color photograph
• Annual family income certificate
• Relevant business documents or proof

How to Apply for the Karma Sathi Scheme

Applicants can apply both online and offline.

Offline Application Process

1. Visit the nearest Duare Sarkar Camp
2. Collect the application form with a unique number
3. Fill in the form with accurate information
4. Submit the completed form along with required documents at the same camp within the deadline

Online Application Process

Follow the steps below to apply online:

1. Visit the official portal of the Karma Sathi Scheme
2. On the homepage, click on the Schemes option
3. Select Karma Sathi Scheme to open the application form
4. Carefully fill in all required information
5. Upload the necessary documents in the specified file size
6. Review the form to ensure all information is correct
7. Finally, click on Submit to complete the application process

To check whether your application has been approved, you can check the application status on the same website.

How to Check Karma Sathi Application Status

1. Visit the official website of the scheme
2. Click on the Login option at the top right
3. Log in using your ID and password
4. After logging in, click on the Dashboard to view your current application status
5. If there is any mistake, you will see it under the Remarks section
6. You can correct the error using the Edit option and resubmit the form

Important links of the Karmasathi Scheme: