Gatidhara Scheme
Transport Department, Government of West Bengal · Central government
West Bengal's scheme gives registered unemployed youth up to ₹1 lakh to buy commercial vehicles, promoting self-employment in transport.
Open, rolling. Applications are accepted continuously — there is no deadline.
Key facts
- Subsidy amount
- Up to ₹1,00,000
- Instrument
- Subsidy
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Disbursement
- Single lump sum
About this scheme
The Gatidhara Scheme was introduced in August 2014 by the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal. It creates self-employment avenues for registered unemployed youth in both urban and rural parts of the state. The scheme's core aim is to strengthen transport services by giving beneficiaries financial assistance to buy commercial vehicles.
Applicants must belong to families earning ₹25,000 or less per month. This income ceiling ensures the aid reaches those who require it to begin a transport-based enterprise. Funding for the scheme comes from the Labour Department, while the Transport Department handles its implementation, which simplifies the application process.
Through a sizeable subsidy, Gatidhara seeks to help individuals stand on their own feet, add to the state's economy, and improve the supply of transport services. It functions as a key measure for economic upliftment and employment generation among West Bengal's youth.
Who can apply
- Eligible business forms
- Sole proprietorship
- Udyam registration
- Not specified
- MSME registration
- Not required
- DPIIT startup recognition
- Not required
- GST registration
- Not specified
- Revenue band
- Up to ₹3,00,000
- Where the business may be based
- West Bengal
- Permanent residency in West Bengal is required. - Enrolment in the Employment Bank of the Labour Department, GOWB, is mandatory. - The applicant's age must fall within 25 to 45 years; relaxation of 5 years applies to SC/ST applicants and 3 years to OBC applicants. - Monthly family income must be below ₹25,000. - A single member per family may avail the scheme.
How to apply
- **Employment Bank Registration:** - **Step 01:** Confirm that you hold registration with the Employment Bank under the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal. - **Step 02:** Go to the Employment Bank's official website: https://employmentbankwb.gov.in/index.php - **Step 03:** Select “New Enrolment Job Seeker”, agree to the terms and conditions, and continue. - **Step 04:** Fill in every mandatory field on the registration form and press the ‘submit’ button. - **Scheme Application Process:** - **Step 01:** Contact an authorised vehicle dealer who handles the Gatidhara Scheme. The dealer will help process your application together with all necessary documents. - **Step 02:** Choose a financier (bank/NBFC) for the loan needed to buy the commercial vehicle. - **Step 03:** Once the offer letter for the permit and subsidy is received, make sure the vehicle is registered within one month.
How applications are assessed
The Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, examines each application along with the eligibility particulars. Candidates who meet the criteria are shortlisted through an interview held by the department. From this exercise, a final list of qualified applicants is prepared, on the basis of which the subsidy is disbursed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary objective of the Gatidhara Scheme?
Gatidhara Scheme exists to create self-employment across urban and rural West Bengal by backing transport services and giving unemployed youth the money they need to buy commercial vehicles.
What is the maximum subsidy provided under this scheme?
The scheme offers a subsidy covering 30% of a commercial vehicle's ex-showroom price, capped at ₹1,00,000.
Who is eligible to apply for the Gatidhara Scheme?
To qualify, you must be a permanent West Bengal resident aged 25–45 (with SC/ST/OBC relaxations), registered with the Employment Bank, and from a family earning ₹25,000 or less per month, with only one member per family eligible.
How do I register with the Employment Bank?
Register at employmentbankwb.gov.in by selecting 'New Enrolment Job Seeker', agreeing to the terms and conditions, and completing every mandatory field before you submit the form.
What is the application process after Employment Bank registration?
Once registered with the Employment Bank, an applicant must submit the application, along with all required documents, through a vehicle dealer of their choice who is authorised for the purpose, and must also choose a financier for the loan. The vehicle has to be registered within one month of the date on which the offer letter for the permit and subsidy is received.
Are there any age relaxations for specific categories?
Yes — SC/ST applicants receive a 5-year relaxation of the upper age limit, while OBC applicants receive 3 years.
Sectors
- Logistics Mobility
- Selfemployment
- Transport
- Vehicle Subsidy
- West Bengal Youth
- Unemployed Youth
Details last verified on 18 September 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.