The Mukhyamantri Anusuchit Jati / Anusuchit Janjati Udyami Yojana (MAJAJUY) offers a hopeful blueprint for socio-economic transformation of SC/ST youth in Bihar.
The Mukhyamantri Anusuchit Jati / Anusuchit Janjati Udyami Yojana (MAJAJUY) is a flagship initiative of the Government of Bihar. The empowerment schme is designed to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among youth from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities in the sate.
Against the backdrop of historic social and economic marginalization of SC/ST communities, MAJAJUY offers a tangible pathway toward financial empowerment and social upliftment by enabling eligible beneficiaries to set up their own businesses — helping shift dependence from wage-employment or daily-labour to entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
As of November 3, 2025, the scheme has 14,081 beneficiaries and has disbursed ₹1,046.28 crore.
In this article, we explore the scheme’s objectives, structure, benefits, challenges, and its significance — especially from the perspective of social justice and empowerment.
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What is MAJAJUY?
- MAJAJUY stands for “Mukhyamantri Anusuchit Jati / Anusuchit Janjati Udyami Yojana.” It is targeted specifically at SC and ST youth in Bihar.
- The scheme falls under the broader umbrella of entrepreneurship promotion efforts by the state, as part of the larger Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana (Chief Minister Entrepreneur Scheme).
- Through MAJAJUY, the government provides financial support — combining grant (subsidy) and concessional loan — for eligible SC/ST individuals to start small-scale businesses or enterprises.
In essence, MAJAJUY is a targeted instrument to enable historically marginalized communities to break the cycle of socio-economic deprivation and step into the domain of entrepreneurship.
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Key Features and Benefits
Financial Support: Subsidy + Loan
- Under MAJAJUY, a beneficiary can receive up to ₹10 lakh support to start a business.
- Out of this, 50% — i.e. up to ₹5 lakh — is provided as a non-repayable grant (subsidy). The remaining amount (up to ₹5 lakh) is given as a loan, often interest-free or at very concessional terms under certain sub-schemes.
- This mix of grant + loan reduces the financial burden and risk for beneficiaries starting a new venture.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for MAJAJUY, the candidate must meet certain criteria. Key among them:
- Belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- Be a permanent resident of Bihar.
- Minimum educational qualification: At least intermediate (12th class) / 10+2, or equivalent (ITI / Polytechnic / Diploma / relevant certificate as per scheme norms).
- Age criteria: Typically between 18 and 50 years (as per publicly available scheme descriptions).
- The enterprise proposed must be a proprietorship or partnership firm (i.e. small scale business/entrepreneurial venture).
Support beyond Finance
- The scheme is not just financial aid: beneficiaries may receive — or be required to undergo — skill development and entrepreneurial training to improve chances of business success.
- By enabling self-employment among SC/ST youth, the scheme aims to generate sustainable income, improve livelihoods, and reduce dependence on wage labour.
Broader Objective: Social and Economic Empowerment
The overarching aim of MAJAJUY is to address long-standing structural inequalities faced by SC/ST communities in Bihar. By promoting entrepreneurship, the scheme seeks:
- Economic empowerment and upward mobility
- Reduction of caste-based economic disparity
- Encouragement of dignity, self-respect, and social inclusion for historically marginalized groups
- Promotion of youth-led enterprises and decentralized economic growth, especially in rural or semi-urban areas
In this sense, MAJAJUY resonates deeply with the social justice and inclusive development ideals advocated by institutions like Ambedkar Chamber.
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Implementation and Application Process
As per publicly available sources:
- Applicants need to register via the e-portal (originally under the startup portal of Bihar, sometimes referenced as startup.bihar.gov.in) for the SC/ST Udyami scheme.
- Registration typically involves Aadhaar-based verification, filling in personal and project/business-related details, and uploading required documents like caste certificate, residence/domicile proof, educational qualification proof, etc.
- Upon evaluation and approval, eligible beneficiaries receive the grant and loan support as per scheme norms. The loan repayment schedule (for the loan portion) — in many cases — begins after the business becomes operational.
However, several reports indicate that many intending beneficiaries may face challenges — lack of awareness, difficulty in documentation, digital divide, or limited outreach — which affect the scheme’s reach.
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Application Process
Online
Registration Process:
Step 1: Visit the official website and click on “Registration/Log in“. Select “Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana” as “MMUY”.
Step 2: A new page will open where you need to enter your Aadhaar number and create a desired password.
Step 3: Click on the “Login” option after entering the details.
Step 4: A registration form will appear. Fill in the required details carefully.
Step 5: Once completed, click on the “Submit” button to finalize your registration.
Application Process:
Step 1: After successful registration, log in to the portal using your Aadhaar number and password.
Step 2: The application form will appear on your dashboard. Fill in the form accurately with all the necessary details.
Step 3: Upload all the required documents as specified in the instructions.
Step 4: Review the application to ensure all information is correct.
Step 5: Click on the “Submit” button to complete the application process.
Step 6: Download and print the acknowledgment receipt for your records. Keep it safe for future correspondence.
Documents Required
- Matriculation certificate (in which date of birth is mentioned).
- Intermediate or equivalent passing certificate.
- Caste certificate.
- Permanent residence certificate.
- Disability certificate (if required).
- Photograph of the applicant.
- Signature of the applicant.
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Challenges and Critical Considerations
While MAJAJUY holds promise, its actual impact depends on effective implementation and supporting ecosystem. Some challenges and concerns:
Awareness and Outreach
- Many SC/ST youth, especially in rural or remote regions, may not be aware of the scheme or its benefits. Without active outreach, a large portion of eligible population may remain uninformed.
- The digital-first application and registration mechanism may disadvantage those with limited internet access, technical skills, or necessary documentation.
Skill Development and Business Sustainability
- Starting a business requires more than just capital — it demands market understanding, business acumen, managerial capacity, supply-chain linkages, and resilience. Without strong training, mentorship, and support, many ventures may struggle.
- There is risk of borrowers misusing funds or starting unsustainable ventures if proper oversight and guidance are lacking.
Monitoring, Transparency and Accountability
- To ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries (SC/ST youth), rigorous monitoring and transparency of scheme data — sanctioned/support amounts, disbursements, loan status, business outcomes — is crucial.
- Without such oversight, there is risk of leakage, misuse, or favoritism.
Socio-Cultural Barriers
- SC/ST communities often face social stigma, discrimination, or lack of market networks. Merely providing financial aid may not overcome these structural barriers.
- Gender, caste, geography — intersectional disadvantages may persist even under MAJAJUY. For example: women from SC/ST communities may need special support to successfully run enterprises.
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Significance from the Lens of Social Justice — Why MAJAJUY Matters
For marginalized SC/ST communities, MAJAJUY represents more than a government scheme — it embodies a path toward dignity, self-respect, and social change. For an organisation like Ambedkar Chamber, committed to social justice and empowerment, MAJAJUY holds special importance:
- Economic Justice: By enabling SC/ST youth to start their own businesses, the scheme helps dismantle historical economic inequality and caste-based economic stratification.
- Social Inclusion: Entrepreneurship can foster social mobility, reduce stigma, and strengthen community self-reliance, leading to broader social inclusion.
- Youth Empowerment: With India’s youth bulge, schemes like MAJAJUY can channel youthful energy into constructive enterprise, reducing dependency, unemployment, underemployment, or exploitative labour.
- Rural and Local Development: If many entrepreneurs emerge from rural or semi-urban areas, local economies can strengthen, reducing migration pressures, and promoting decentralized development.
- Structural Change: Over time, community-led enterprises can challenge entrenched caste-based economic hierarchies, build community confidence, and pave way for real social transformation.
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15 FAQ on Bihar CM SC-ST Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
Below are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that provide a clear understanding of the Bihar Chief Minister SC-ST Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (Mukhyamantri Anusoochit Jati / Anusoochit Janajaati Udyami Yojana (MAJAJUY), covering its objectives, eligibility, benefits, and application process.
1. What is the Mukhyamantri Anusoochit Jati / Anusoochit Janajaati Udyami Yojana?
This scheme is a specialised component under the larger Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana. Its core purpose is to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment among individuals belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in Bihar. It provides financial and skill-based support to help them establish their own business ventures.
2. Which department launched this scheme?
The initiative has been launched by the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, under the umbrella of the Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana.
3. What financial assistance does the scheme offer?
Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹10,00,000 (ten lakh rupees) as financial support, which includes:
- ₹5,00,000 as a grant (non-repayable), and
- ₹5,00,000 as an interest-free loan for business establishment.
4. Is the loan component completely interest-free?
Yes, the loan is interest-free. However, in certain sub-categories of the scheme, a nominal 1% interest rate may apply.
5. What types of businesses qualify under this scheme?
The scheme supports a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures registered as:
- Proprietorship firms, or
- Partnership firms.
The proposed business must be legitimate, viable, and capable of generating sustainable income.
6. Who can apply for this scheme?
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of Bihar
- Must belong to the SC/ST community
- Must be 18 to 50 years old
- Must have at least 10+2 or equivalent qualifications
- Must propose a business plan that fits the scheme guidelines
7. What educational qualifications are needed?
The minimum educational requirement is 10+2 (Intermediate). Equivalent qualifications such as:
- ITI certificates
- Polytechnic diplomas, or
- Any recognised vocational certificate
are also accepted.
8. What is the age limit for applicants?
Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years old at the time of application.
9. Does the scheme include any training?
Yes. The scheme has a mandatory training component designed to build entrepreneurial abilities.
Applicants receive guidance on:
- Business planning
- Financial literacy
- Enterprise management
- Market understanding
Only after the completion of training is the financial support released.
10. How can beneficiaries use the financial support?
The approved funds can be utilised for various business-related needs, including:
- Setting up the business infrastructure
- Purchasing equipment or machinery
- Procuring raw materials
- Meeting initial operational expenses
- Technology or digital setup
The goal is to help beneficiaries establish a stable and sustainable business.
11. Are women eligible under this scheme?
Absolutely. The scheme is open to both men and women from the SC/ST communities in Bihar. It actively encourages participation from women entrepreneurs.
12. How can one apply for this scheme?
Applications can be submitted through:
- The official online portal designated for the scheme, or
- Notified government offices where in-person support is available
Applicants must register, fill out the form, and upload required documents online.
13. What happens after submitting the application?
Once the application is submitted:
- The authorities review and verify the details.
- Eligible applicants are invited for entrepreneurship training.
- After successful completion of training, the financial assistance is disbursed in phases directly to the beneficiary’s business account.
14. Does the scheme support rural applicants?
Yes. The scheme is designed to equally benefit rural and urban SC/ST youth equally, ensuring inclusive development across Bihar.
15. What is the ultimate goal of this scheme?
The primary aim is to:
- Boost entrepreneurship in SC/ST communities
- Reduce unemployment
- Promote economic independence
- Strengthen social empowerment and financial inclusion
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14,081 SC/ST Entrepreneurs Benefited as Bihar Government Disburses ₹1,046.28 Crore
Bihar Government Highlights Progress of the SC/ST Entrepreneur Scheme: A Strong Step Towards Self-Reliance
On 20 November 2025, the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, shared an important update through its official Facebook page regarding the significant progress of the “SC/ST Entrepreneur Scheme: A Strong Step Towards Self-Reliance.”
According to the department, the initiative is delivering substantial benefits to entrepreneurs belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities under the state’s flagship Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana.
Major Achievements Announced
The department stated:
“Under the Chief Minister Entrepreneur Scheme run by the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, entrepreneurs from the SC/ST community are receiving large-scale benefits.”
As per the figures released up to 3 November 2025, the scheme has achieved the following milestones:
- Total Beneficiaries: 14,081 SC/ST entrepreneurs
- Total Government Funds Disbursed: ₹1,046.28 crore
This large-scale financial support reflects the state government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Scheme Benefits
The SC/ST Entrepreneur Scheme aims to promote self-employment among youth by offering financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh.
A key highlight of the scheme is its 50% subsidy/grant component, which significantly reduces the financial burden on first-generation entrepreneurs and encourages them to establish micro and small enterprises.
A Step Toward Inclusive Growth
The government’s update underlines that the scheme is not only helping individuals start their ventures but is also contributing to broader goals of economic inclusion, livelihood creation, and social empowerment across Bihar. With more than 14,000 beneficiaries already supported, the initiative has emerged as a transformative model for driving entrepreneurship within the SC/ST communities.
Read the article in Hindi
SC/ST युवाओं के सपनों को मिले पंख। CM उद्यमी योजना के तहत बनें अपना खुद का बॉस! I Ambedkar Chamber
