ADS

Ashadeepa Scheme

5.1/10

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.

State Composite

States / UT: Karnataka

Nodal department: Labour Department

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Scheme open date: 2017-04-01

Categories: Skills & Employment

Sub-categories: Training and Skill Up-gradation, Apprenticeship

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Employment, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Apprentice Trainee, Skill Development

Details

The "Ashadeepa 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. The scheme is implemented through the "Karnataka State Workers Welfare and Social Security (Ashadeepa Scheme) Society (R)."
Objectives:

  • To create employment opportunities to the candidates belonging to SC and ST categories in the private sector.
  • To improve the socio – economic conditions of SCs and STs.
  • To encourage the employment of SCs and STs, in private sectors establishments/factories etc., by reimbursing the contribution paid by the employers towards Salary, ESI and EPF paid by them, thereby providing financial assistance.
  • To reimburse the Stipendiary amount paid to the apprentice trainees by the employer.
  • To reimburse the salary paid to the candidate if the employer recruits the same candidate after apprentice training.

Benefits

  • 1. Reimbursement of ESI and EPF contribution to the employers: The private sector employer who newly employs SC and ST candidates will be reimbursed the ESI and EPF contribution paid by them for a period of 2 years subject to the maximum limit of ₹3 000/- per month per candidate. 1. Reimbursement of Stipend paid to the apprentice trainees: The stipend amount under Apprenticeship Act 1961 paid to the Apprentice Trainees belonging to SC and ST categories who are undergoing training for a period of One year Normal and Two years Comprehensive Training will be reimbursed to the employer for a maximum limit of ₹5 000/- per month per candidate and subject to 2/3rd of the total amount paid by them. 1. Reimbursement of salary for appointment after completion of Apprentice Training: If the employer who has given apprentice training to the candidates belonging to SC and ST categories employs the same candidates in permanent posts 50% of the salary subject to a maximum limit of ₹7 000/- per month per candidate will be reimbursed to the employer for a period of two year. 1. Reimbursement of salary paid by the employers: The private sector employer
  1. Reimbursement of ESI and EPF contribution to the employers: The private sector employer, who newly employs SC and ST candidates, will be reimbursed the ESI and EPF contribution paid by them for a period of 2 years, subject to the maximum limit of ₹3,000/- per month per candidate. 1. Reimbursement of Stipend paid to the apprentice trainees: The stipend amount under Apprenticeship Act, 1961 paid to the Apprentice Trainees belonging to SC and ST categories, who are undergoing training for a period of One year Normal and Two years Comprehensive Training, will be reimbursed to the employer for a maximum limit of ₹5,000/- per month per candidate and subject to 2/3rd of the total amount paid by them. 1. Reimbursement of salary for appointment after completion of Apprentice Training: If the employer who has given apprentice training to the candidates belonging to SC and ST categories, employs the same candidates in permanent posts, 50% of the salary subject to a maximum limit of ₹7,000/- per month per candidate will be reimbursed to the employer for a period of two year. 1. Reimbursement of salary paid by the employers: The private sector employer, who newly employs SC and ST candidates after 12th June 2024, will be reimbursed the salary paid by them for a period of 2 years, subject to the maximum limit of ₹6,000/- per month per candidate. 1. Skill Development: To organize skill trainings for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through the Department of Skill Development and encourage them to become self-reliant.

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, of 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.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

5.1
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 5.0/10 Moderate
Rural usefulness 4.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 4.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 6.0/10 Moderate
Women inclusivity 5.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility5.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility4.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity6.0
  • Inclusivity5.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The Ashadeepa Scheme aims to enhance employment opportunities for SC and ST individuals in Karnataka's private sector.

Key challenges addressed

  • Employment for SC/ST individuals
  • Financial support for employers hiring SC/ST candidates

Most beneficial for

  • Scheduled Caste individuals
  • Scheduled Tribe individuals
  • Private sector employers

Likely challenges

  • Awareness among potential beneficiaries
  • Complex application process for some employers

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme's effectiveness may be limited by the digital divide in rural areas.

Rural challenges

  • Limited internet access
  • Lack of awareness about the scheme

Digital challenges

  • High digital dependency for application
  • Need for internet literacy

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Potential delays in processing applications

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness among SC/ST communities

Application analysis

Application mode
Online portal
Documents burden
Moderate, requires specific employer documents
Verification complexity
Moderate, involves employer verification
Office dependency
Low, primarily online
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer involved
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate, requires online application and document submission

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach Moderate
  • Gender reach Equal
  • Occupation reach Private sector workers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
Monthly reimbursement for up to 2 years
Benefit practicality
Practical for employers willing to hire SC/ST candidates
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as it provides significant support to employers
Long-term impact
Positive, if it leads to sustained employment for SC/ST individuals

Plain-language guidance

The Ashadeepa Scheme helps SC and ST individuals in Karnataka find jobs in the private sector by providing financial support to employers. It aims to improve job opportunities and socio-economic conditions.

Who should apply
Private sector employers hiring SC/ST candidates.
Who may struggle
Employers unfamiliar with online applications or lacking necessary documents.
Best application route
Apply via the official online portal of the Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Online

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board. Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Board
Step 2: Scroll down and click on the 'Ashadeepa Scheme'.
Step 3: Click on 'Apply' to apply for the scheme.
Step 4: A new page will open. Fill out all the required fields, including details like the Name of Company/Firm/Establishment, Nature of Business, Name of the Managing Director/Partner, and other relevant information.
Step 5: Upload the required documents, such as the List of ESI numbers and List of EPF numbers of the employees.
Step 6: Click on Submit to complete the application process.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

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

References

Scheme Details -1
https://ashadeepayojane.karnataka.gov.in/home/aboutnew
Scheme Details -1
https://ksuwssb.karnataka.gov.in/info-2/Ashadeepa+Scheme/en
Guidelines
https://kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in/ashadeepa
Application Form Portal
https://kbocwwb.karnataka.gov.in/ashadeepaschemeform

Apply

Apply now

Opens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Ashadeepa Scheme?
Ashadeepa Scheme is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Individual through benefits related to Skills & Employment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Eligibility for Ashadeepa Scheme may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Ashadeepa Scheme?
Benefits under Ashadeepa Scheme may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Ashadeepa Scheme?
Ashadeepa Scheme is managed by Labour Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Ashadeepa Scheme through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Applications for Ashadeepa Scheme may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Ashadeepa Scheme available in all states?
No, Ashadeepa Scheme is primarily available for eligible residents of Karnataka and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Karnataka apply for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Eligibility for Ashadeepa Scheme is generally limited to residents of Karnataka unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to Ashadeepa Scheme?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Ashadeepa Scheme?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Ashadeepa Scheme in Karnataka?
Users in Karnataka may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Ashadeepa Scheme applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.