Ashadeepa Scheme
State: Karnataka
Ministry: null
Department: Labour Department
Category: Skills & Employment
Beneficiary Type: Individual

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.

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, 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:
1. The applicant should be a resident of Karnataka.
   1. The applicant should belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
   1. Employment of the applicant should be in a private-sector industry or establishment.
   1. SC/ST candidates undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprenticeship Act, of 1961, are eligible for stipend reimbursement.
   1. 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.
   1. SC/ST candidates are eligible for skill development training organised by the Department of Skill Development, Government of Karnataka.

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.

Documents Required:
Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar Card
Caste Certificate
Employment Proof
Apprenticeship Details (If applicable)
Bank Account Details
Proof of ESI and EPF Contribution
Salary or Stipend Records
Any other documents as required