Are you an unemployed young person full of brilliant ideas and living in Sikkim? It is the Government of Sikkim that trusts you. The state has introduced the innovative Skilled Youth Starting Scheme (SYSS) in an attempt to address unemployment and create an entrepreneurial wave.
This project is your platform to independence. It offers substantial financial support that assists you in turning your dream of a manufacturing unit, service business, cooperative, or agri-venture to a successful reality. The means can be availed by SYSS should you be driven.
What are the Key Benefits of the Sikkim Startup Scheme?
This scheme is designed to give your startup the strongest possible start. The core benefits include:
- Sufficient Financial Assistance: Obtain bank loans under a retrospective government subsidy. This is because you will not be required to pay a part of the loan.
- Half subsidy to applicants of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
- 35% subsidy for all other eligible applicants.
- Significant Funding Tiers: The maximum project cost depends on the sector, and it allows funding any small shop up to bigger diagnostic centres, and the funding is available up to 20 lakhs.
- Essential Training: Before your loan can be disbursed, you must receive a mandatory Entrepreneur Development Training (3 days) to acquire the necessary skills required to operate and expand your business.
- Inclusive Priority: Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are given priority and are eligible for the enhanced 50% subsidy.
- Diverse Sector Support: The scheme supports a wide array of sectors, ensuring your passion has a place. This includes:
- Agriculture & Allied sectors (Dairy, Poultry, Organic Farming)
- Food Processing & Manufacturing
- Handloom, Handicrafts, Bamboo & Woodwork
- Tourism (Homestays, Paragliding, Cycling)
- Retail (Shops, Boutiques, Beauty Parlours)
- IT & Service-based businesses (Coaching Centres, Diagnostic Labs, Automobile Workshops)
What Projects Are Covered? (Category-wise Funding Limits)
| S. No. | Category / Business Activity | Maximum Project Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dairy / Piggery | 5 Lakhs |
| 2 | Poultry | 3 Lakhs |
| 3 | Organic Farming (Greenhouse) | 3 Lakhs |
| 4 | Food Processing, Wood Handicraft, Metal Fabrication, Tourism Activities, IT Services | 10 Lakhs |
| 5 | Rural Homestays | 15 Lakhs |
| 6 | Bakery & Restaurants | 15 Lakhs |
| 7 | Retail Shops, Beauty Parlours, Herbal Products, Automobile Workshops | 10 Lakhs |
| 8 | Cutting & Tailoring (Cooperative Societies), Diagnostic Centres, Mini Film Auditoriums | 20 Lakhs |
| 9 | Coaching Institutes | 5 Lakhs |
| 10 | Other Projects deemed viable by the committee | Nominal Funding |
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Before you apply, please ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must possess a valid Sikkim Subject Certificate, Certificate of Identification (COI), or Residential Certificate (for urban areas).
- Age: You must be between 18 and 45 years of age.
- Employment Status: You must be registered as unemployed.
- Education: A minimum pass certificate from Class V is required. For technical projects, a relevant certificate from a recognised institute is needed.
- Family Income: Your total family income must not exceed ₹8 lakhs per annum.
- Family Limit: Only one member per family can apply.
- Government Employees: Children of government employees are only eligible if the parent is in Group ‘C’ or ‘D’ service.
- Personal Contribution: You must be able to contribute 5% to 15% of the project cost.
- Financial History: You must not be a defaulter with any bank or financial institution.
- Previous Schemes: You must not have previously availed a subsidy under the CMSS or PMEGP schemes.
- Trade License: You must be able to obtain a valid trade license for your proposed business.
How to Apply for the Sikkim SYSS Scheme (Application Process)
Currently, the application process is conducted offline.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required paperwork (see list below).
- Develop Your Plan: Create a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for your business idea.
- Submit Your Application: Download and complete the Annexure-I application form. Submit this along with your DPR and all documents to:
- The General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) in Gangtok or Jorethang.
- Committee Review: Your application will be reviewed by a Selection Committee with members from relevant departments and banks.
- Bank Sanction: Once approved, your project is forwarded to a bank for final loan sanctioning.
- Complete Training: You must complete the mandatory Entrepreneur Development Training.
- Receive Funds: After training, the loan and subsidy will be disbursed.
Documents Checklist Required
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Sikkim Subject Certificate/COI/Residential Certificate
- Educational and Technical Certificates
- Birth Certificate
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) – 2 copies, verified by the concerned Line Department
- Address Proof (Voter ID card)
- Unemployment Card from your Block Administrative Centre (BAC)
- Land documents (lease or Parcha), if applicable
- BPL Certificate (if applicable) from DESME
- Income Certificate from BDO/SDM
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from SABCO/SIDICO
- Trade License (to be obtained at the time of loan sanction)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for the Skilled Youth Startup Scheme (SYSS)?
A: Unemployed Sikh men and women between the ages of 18 and 45 with a family income less than 8 lakhs per annum and satisfies the requirements on residency and education.
Q: What is the age limit to apply?
A: The age of application should be between 18 and 45 years old.
Q: Is there a minimum educational qualification?
A: Yes, you must have passed at least Class V. Technical projects require relevant certification.
Q: Can more than one member from my family apply?
A: No, there is only one member of a family who can be in the scheme.
Q: Are children of government employees eligible?
A: Yes, but only if the parent is a Group ‘C’ or ‘D’ employee.
Q: I’ve had a subsidy under PMEGP before. Can I apply?
A: No, a candidate that has already received a subsidy under CMSS or PMEGP is ineligible.
Q: Is a trade license needed to apply?
A: You do not need it at the first application level but you must have valid trade license by the time you are sanctioned with the loan.
Q: Is there special provision for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)?
A: Yes, absolutely. Through the scheme, PwD applicants receive a higher priority and receive the higher loan subsidy of 50 percent, irrespective of their BPL status.
Disclaimer: This information is a guide compiled from public sources. For the most accurate and official information, please consult the direct guidelines from the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, or contact your District Industries Centre (DIC).