Gatidhara Scheme
Transport Department, Government of West Bengal · Central government
The West Bengal government scheme subsidises registered unemployed youth up to ₹1 lakh for commercial vehicle purchase, fostering transport-sector self-employment.
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, introduced by the Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal in August 2014, aims to generate self-employment for registered unemployed youth in both urban and rural areas of the state. Its central purpose is to support the acquisition of commercial vehicles, thereby fostering transport services through financial assistance.
Eligibility is restricted to families earning a monthly income of ₹25,000 or less, directing aid to those most in need of starting a transport-related business. Funding is provided by the Labour Department, while the Transport Department oversees implementation, simplifying the application process for beneficiaries.
Through a substantial subsidy, the scheme enables individuals to achieve self-reliance, contribute to the state economy, and improve transport availability. It functions as a key measure for economic advancement and employment generation among the state'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
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal. - Applicant must be enrolled in the Employment Bank of the Labour Department, GOWB. - Applicant’s age must be between 25 and 45 years (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC). - Family income of the applicant must be below ₹25,000 per month. - Only one member per family is eligible for the scheme.
How to apply
- **Employment Bank Registration:** - **Step 01:** Confirm that your name appears in the Employment Bank maintained by the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal. - **Step 02:** Go to the Employment Bank’s official portal at https://employmentbankwb.gov.in/index.php. - **Step 02:** Choose “New Enrolment Job Seeker”, agree to the terms and conditions, and continue. - **Step 04:** Fill in every required field on the registration form, then press the ‘submit’ button. - **Scheme Application Process:** - **Step 01:** Contact an authorised vehicle dealer handling the Gatidhara Scheme. The dealer will help you file the application and arrange the required paperwork. - **Step 02:** Pick a financier (bank or NBFC) to provide the loan for buying the commercial vehicle. - **Step 03:** After you receive the offer letter covering the permit and subsidy, get the vehicle registered within one month.
How applications are assessed
The Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, examines each application and its eligibility particulars. Candidates who meet the criteria are then shortlisted through an interview held by the department. Subsequently, a final roster of successful applicants is prepared, and this list serves as the basis for releasing the subsidy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary objective of the Gatidhara Scheme?
The Gatidhara Scheme aims to create self-employment opportunities across urban and rural West Bengal by supporting transport services and offering financial assistance to unemployed youth for buying commercial vehicles.
What is the maximum subsidy provided under this scheme?
The scheme offers a subsidy of 30% of the ex-showroom price, capped at ₹1,00,000, for the purchase of any commercial vehicle.
Who is eligible to apply for the Gatidhara Scheme?
Applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal, registered with the Employment Bank, aged 25–45 years (with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC), and from a family earning ₹25,000 or less per month. Only one member per family may apply.
How do I register with the Employment Bank?
To register with the Employment Bank, go to employmentbankwb.gov.in, select 'New Enrolment Job Seeker', agree to the terms and conditions, and complete all required fields before submitting the form.
What is the application process after Employment Bank registration?
After registering with the Employment Bank, applicants must submit their application, along with all required documents, through an authorised vehicle dealer of their choice and select a financier for the loan. The vehicle must be registered within one month of receiving the offer letter for the permit and subsidy.
Are there any age relaxations for specific categories?
Yes, SC/ST applicants receive a 5-year age relaxation and OBC applicants a 3-year relaxation, which correspondingly raises the upper age limit.
Sectors
- Logistics Mobility
- Selfemployment
- Transport
- Vehicle Subsidy
- West Bengal Youth
- Unemployed Youth
Details last verified on 3 August 2026. Source: the issuer's published information.