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The Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) Portal was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2024. It is a revolutionary digital initiative designed to provide credit support to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of society virtually. The portal enables individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to apply for business loans and track the progress of all available credit schemes in a centralized, transparent manner.
PM-SURAJ Portal Objective
The primary objective of the PM-SURAJ Portal is:
- Provide Credit Support: Facilitate loans for entrepreneurs from backward classes, scheduled castes, tribes, and other disadvantaged sections.
- Promote Entrepreneurship: Support new business startups and encourage self-employment.
- Digital Accessibility: Ensure that underprivileged individuals can apply for and track loans virtually without bureaucratic delays.
- Empower Marginalized Communities: Extend financial assistance to uplift one lakh entrepreneurs from marginalized segments of society.
PM-SURAJ Portal Features
The PM-SURAJ Portal offers a range of features designed to make entrepreneurship accessible to all:
- Centralized Loan Application: Individuals can apply for all available credit schemes from a single platform.
- Exclusive for Startups: Only those intending to establish new businesses are eligible.
- Business Loan Access: Loans up to Rs 15 lakh are available at low interest rates.
- Direct Bank Transfers: Loans are disbursed directly to the applicant’s bank account via banks, NBFC-MFIs, and other financial institutions.
- Tracking & Monitoring: Applicants can monitor the status of their applications in real-time.
- Inclusive Financial Institutions: The portal is operated by government bodies like:
- National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)
- National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
- National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
How PM-SURAJ Portal Works
The PM-SURAJ Portal simplifies the process of accessing business credit:
- Registration: Applicants from disadvantaged communities register on the portal with personal and business details.
- Loan Application: Choose a suitable credit scheme and submit an online application.
- Verification: Government bodies like NSFDC, NSKFDC, or NBCFDC verify the application.
- Loan Disbursement: Once approved, loans up to Rs 15 lakh are transferred directly to the applicant’s bank account.
- Monitoring Progress: Entrepreneurs can track loan disbursement, scheme utilization, and status updates via the portal.
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PM-SURAJ Portal Benefits
The portal provides multiple advantages for disadvantaged entrepreneurs:
- Empowers Entrepreneurship: Financially supports new business ventures among marginalized communities.
- Low-Interest Loans: Reduces financial burden through accessible, low-interest credit.
- Direct Access to Funds: Eliminates middlemen by transferring loans directly to bank accounts.
- Inclusive Support: Covers backward classes, scheduled castes, tribes, and other disadvantaged groups.
- Transparent & Efficient: Enables real-time tracking and reduces bureaucratic delays.
PM-SURAJ Portal and Government Bodies
The portal is operated by key government financial institutions that focus on inclusive development:
- NSFDC: Provides financial assistance to Scheduled Castes.
- NSKFDC: Supports Safai Karamcharis and allied communities.
- NBCFDC: Offers loans and training to backward classes for entrepreneurship.
This collaboration ensures the upliftment of one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections, promoting socio-economic development across India.
How to Access PM-SURAJ Portal
Citizens and aspiring entrepreneurs can access the PM-SURAJ Portal via: https://pm-suraj.gov.in
Steps to Use:
- Visit the PM-SURAJ official website.
- Register with your personal details.
- Select the relevant financial scheme according to eligibility.
- Apply for a loan (up to Rs 15 lakh for startups).
- Track the progress of the loan application and fund disbursement online.
Conclusion
The PM-SURAJ Portal is a game-changing initiative that empowers entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, promotes self-employment, and ensures transparent, efficient credit support. By providing business loans, digital accessibility, and real-time monitoring, the portal plays a pivotal role in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of backward classes, scheduled castes, tribes, and other disadvantaged groups across India.
