Introduction to Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme
The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme (RYVS), launched by the Government of Telangana, is a flagship initiative designed to uplift youth from marginalized communities. Targeting Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), Minorities, and Economically Backward Classes (EBC)/Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the scheme empowers young individuals by offering financial assistance and self-employment opportunities.
Implemented through welfare corporations and monitored by District Collectors, this scheme aims to enhance entrepreneurship skills and ensure economic self-sufficiency. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the scheme’s objectives, eligibility criteria, funding structure, selection process, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Objectives of the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme
The core objectives of the scheme include:
- Promoting Self-Employment: Encourage youth to become self-reliant by setting up sustainable businesses.
- Enhancing Economic Security: Provide financial support to marginalized communities to improve their socio-economic standing.
- Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Equip beneficiaries with essential skills and provide training to ensure long-term success in their ventures.
- Inclusive Development: Ensure equitable representation and access to resources for women, PwDs (Persons with Disabilities), and vulnerable groups.
Target Beneficiaries and Allocation of Resources
Community Coverage
The scheme caters to the following marginalized communities:
Scheduled Castes (SC) Scheduled Tribes (ST) Backward Classes (BC) Minorities EBC/EWS Communities
Allocation of Targets
The Managing Directors of respective welfare corporations allocate annual targets to districts based on population proportions of SC, ST, BC, Minority, and EBC/EWS categories. These targets are further distributed by the District Collectors to mandals and municipalities for efficient implementation.
Funding Pattern and Financial Assistance
Financial Categories
The scheme categorizes financial assistance into three tiers:
₹50,001 to ₹1,00,000: Full subsidy for vulnerable groups. ₹1,00,001 to ₹2,00,000: Partial subsidy with bank linkage. ₹2,00,001 to ₹4,00,000: Subsidy with mandatory bank linkage and loan component.
Eligibility Criteria for Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme
To ensure targeted implementation, strict eligibility criteria are enforced.
Income Limit
- Rural Areas: ₹1,50,000 per annum.
- Urban Areas: ₹2,00,000 per annum (Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, and Nagar Panchayats).
Age Criteria
- Non-Agricultural Schemes: 21-55 years (as of July 1 of the implementation year).
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors: 21-60 years.
Required Documentation
To apply for the scheme, applicants must submit: Aadhaar Card Ration Card or Income Certificate (issued by Meeseva if no ration card is available) Caste Certificate (issued after Telangana’s formation) Permanent Driving License (for transport sector schemes) Pattadar Passbook (for agricultural schemes) SADAREM Certificate (for PwDs) Passport-Sized Photographs Vulnerable Group Certification (certified by Mandal Level Committee)
Registration and Application Process
Online Registration
Eligible candidates must register on the Online Beneficiary Management and Monitoring System (OBMMS) Portal within the stipulated timeline.
Document Submission
Upon registration, candidates should:
- Download the filled-in application form.
- Submit the form with required documents to:
- Mandal Praja Palana Seva Kendralu (MPDO Office) in rural areas.
- Municipal Commissioner/Zonal Commissioner Office in urban areas.
Helpdesk Support
To assist candidates, a helpdesk is set up at Mandal Praja Palana Seva Kendralu for guidance on the online registration process.
Verification and Screening Process
Mandal Level Screening
A Mandal Level Screening Committee verifies the authenticity of documents and the feasibility of the proposed self-employment scheme.
Committee Composition:
- MPDO/Municipal Commissioner/Zonal Commissioner (Convener)
- Special Officer (nominated by District Collector)
- Bank Representatives
- Representatives of SC, ST, BC, Minority, and EBC (EWS) Corporations
Bank Linkage and Loan Approval
After verification, the list of eligible candidates is forwarded to banks for loan eligibility verification and approval for bank-linked schemes. Non-bank-linked schemes are sent to the District Officer of the respective corporation for further processing.
District-Level Selection and Sanctioning Process
District Level Committee (DLC)
A District Level Committee (DLC) chaired by the District Collector monitors and finalizes beneficiary selection.
DLC Composition:
- District Collector – Chairperson
- Additional Collector (Local Bodies) – Member
- PD, DRDA – Convenor
- GM, Industries Department – Member
- EDs of SC/BC Corporations – Members
- District Minority Welfare Officer – Member
- AD, Disabled Welfare – Member
- PD, W&CD Department – Member
- DTDO, Tribal Welfare Department – Member
- Lead District Manager (LDM) – Member
Key Responsibilities
Fund Flow and Subsidy Release
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Subsidy funds are directly transferred to the beneficiary’s account through DBT after District Collector sanction and approval from the Hon’ble In-charge Minister of the District.
Bank Linkage Schemes
For bank-linked schemes:
- Subsidy Release: After sanction, the concerned corporation releases the subsidy to the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Loan Account Opening: The banker opens a loan account and releases the loan within 15 days of subsidy disbursement.
Procurement and Grounding of Schemes
Procurement Guidelines
- District Level Committee (DLC) shortlists firms for asset procurement following approved procedures.
- Technical departments ensure quality control and competitive pricing.
Grounding and Disbursement
- 100% Subsidy Schemes: 80% of the subsidy is released after supply, and 20% is disbursed after field verification.
- Bank-Linked Schemes: Bank releases loan and subsidy upon verification and physical grounding.
Training and Post-Grounding Support
Pre-Grounding Training
Selected beneficiaries undergo mandatory Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) Training lasting 1-15 days, conducted by:
- Empanelled Training Institutes
- Recognized State and Central Government Institutions
Post-Grounding Monitoring
- Continuous Support: District Collectors ensure post-grounding support for 6 months to 1 year, with ongoing technical assistance from relevant departments.
- Veterinary Services: For livestock units, veterinary support is provided through the Animal Husbandry Department.
Grievance Redressal and Utilization Certificates
Addressing Grievances
The District Level Committee (DLC) resolves grievances and implementation issues.
Utilization Certificates (UCs)
- MPDOs and Municipal Commissioners collect UCs from banks after project implementation.
- District officers of concerned corporations monitor and upload UCs in the OBMMS portal.
Timelines for Implementation
Strict adherence to the given timeline is ensured following the State-level paper notification on March 16, 2025. District Collectors monitor implementation and ensure the timely grounding of schemes.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for Sustainable Self-Employment
The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme serves as a catalyst for economic empowerment, fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalized youth. By integrating financial assistance, skill development, and post-grounding support, Telangana is building a future where disadvantaged communities thrive as self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
With its inclusive approach and structured implementation, the scheme ensures equitable opportunities and lasting socio-economic impact. Beneficiaries not only gain financial security but also develop the entrepreneurial mindset essential for long-term success. 