Mission Solar Charkha
The scheme “Mission Solar Charkha” a pilot project was implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India. The scheme envisages setting up of Solar Charkha Clusters which would mean a focal village and other surrounding villages in a radius of 8 to 10 Kilometres.
About the Mission Solar Charkha Scheme
The scheme “Mission Solar Charkha” is a pilot initiative of the Ministry of MSME to promote solar-powered livelihood opportunities in rural areas. It focuses on setting up Solar Charkha Clusters covering a focal village and nearby villages within an 8–10 km radius. Each cluster includes around 200 to 2042 artisans such as spinners, weavers, and other skilled workers. The project aims to generate sustainable employment using low-cost and eco-friendly technology. Implementation of new clusters is currently on hold until the evaluation of pilot projects is completed.
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Benefits
- Maximum Subsidy per Cluster: Financial assistance up to ₹9.599 crore for setting up one Solar Charkha Cluster.
> Capital subsidy for individual and for Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV):
- 2000 Solar Charkhas at the maximum price of ₹45,000/- per charkha and a subsidy of ₹15,750/- per charkha works out to a cumulative subsidy of ₹3.15 crore for 1000 spinners.
- One unit of two Solar Charkhas would produce 2.0 kg of yarn on average per day, resulting in a production of 2.0 tons per 2000 charkhas. Thus, 500 Solar Looms would be required to convert the yarn into fabric at the maximum price of ₹1,10,000/- per loom and subsidy @35% at Rs.38,500/- per loom and the cumulative subsidy works out to ₹1.93 crore for 500 weavers.
- Capital cost of construction of workshed with a minimum space of 20,000 sq.ft with 100% subsidy at the maximum rate upto ₹1.20 crore per cluster for the SPV.
- Capital cost of Solar Grid of 50 KW capacity with 100% subsidy at the maximum rate upto ₹0.40 crore per cluster for the SPV.
- One-time Capital Cost Subsidy for the SPV @35% works out to maximum of ₹0.75 crore per Cluster for the purchase of twisting machines, dying machines and stitching machines (500 in number) for making the unit self-sustainable and for value addition.
> Interest subvention for Working Capital:
- It is proposed to have a ceiling of 8% of interest subvention on working capital irrespective of the interest rates being charged by the Banks/Financial Institutions for a period of six months. Recurring Working Capital cost for a period of six months at the rate of interest subvention of 8% works out to ₹1.584 crore for one cluster including cost of roving, wages of spinners and weavers .
> Capacity building:
- The scheme envisages courses for the spinners/weavers and others involved in the garmenting unit at a total cost of ₹0.595 cr per cluster for a period of two years.
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Eligibility Criteria
> Criteria for selection of Promoter Agency/SPV:
*A. Existing Khadi and Village Industry Institution (KVI) could apply for setting up such a Cluster. However, the following parameters must be fulfilled:*
- KVI having a positive balance sheet and assets in favour of the institution.
- KVI having an artisan base of not less than 200.
- KVI having a sales turnover of not less than ₹1.00 Crore in each of the preceding three financial years.
- Should have been an increase in a number of new artisans in the last three years.
*B. Other Institutions such as SPV, Society, Trust, Section 8 Company or LLP under the Companies Act, 2013 registered under respective statutes could also apply for setting up a new Solar Charkha Cluster, with the following criteria:*
- Vision and Mission
- Board and Governing Structure with sufficient experience.
- Proper Management Information System (MIS).
- Financial resources-equity and debt.
- Financial Performance for last three years-profitability and IRR.
*C. First Timers who want to join the village industry movement through solar charkha clusters could apply for a new cluster, with the following criteria:*
- Highest Commitment to the cause of Social and rural upliftment.
- Funding commitment from Scheduled Commercial Banks/NBFC/Venture Capital Fund/Private Equity funds.
- Proper Management Information System (MIS).
- Any other criteria to be approved by the governing council.
> Promoter will fulfill the following criteria at the time of application:
- A baseline survey will be conducted by the promoter, and at least 200 members will be identified with Aadhaar Numbers of which at least 50% shall be women.
- Land of a minimum of 20,000 sq. feet and upto 2 acres will be provided by the promoter either owned or on a long-term lease of a minimum of 15 years. The land will be arranged by the promoter and all expenditure pertaining to the land will be made by the promoter.
- The small promoter agency will deposit at least 15% of the requirement of the working capital or at least three months&#39; projected amount of working capital in a separate dedicated account only after the final selection of the promoter by the SSC and before the first release fund is made.
- The promoter agency will form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), before the release of the first installment of funds, possibly a Section-8 Company or a Producer company under the Companies Act, 2013 for putting up the integrated model of solar charkhas, solar looms, sewing machines, etc. with one village being a focal village.
How to Apply for Mission Solar Charkha
Application mode: Online / Offline
Step 1: The applicant/Promoter Agency may visit the Official Website of Mission Solar Charkha (MSC) to apply online.
Step 2: The registered applicant may apply by clicking on ‘Apply Online”, if not registered, click on ‘New Registration’ and fill in all mandatory details.
Step 3: After successful registration, the registered applicant may ‘Login’ to apply for the scheme.
Step 4: Fill in all the mandatory details required in the application form and submit.
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The interested applicants are required to submit the complete proposal (one hard copy and one soft copy) in the prescribed proforma as in Annexure-III as required along with necessary enclosures with endorsement from the Head of the Institution/ Agency/Trust/Company, desirous of anchoring Cluster development, may be sent to the following addresses:
The Chief Executive Officer, Khadi Village &amp; Industries Commission (KVIC),
Gramodaya 3, Irla Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai - 400056
Telephone (022-26711577) Telefax: (022-26718289), E-mail: ceo.kvic@gov.in
> Appraisal and Approval:
Step 1: The proposals for developing the cluster will be appraised based on the track record, merit, and strategies of the entity in promoting cluster development.
Step 2: The appraisal and final approval will be done by the Scheme Steering Committee.
Step 3: The performance will be monitored both on quantitative and qualitative aspects by the SSC. In case of a significant shortfall in the progress, the Promoter Agency will be changed and support may be continued to the new agency with the approval of SSC.
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Exclusions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mission Solar Charkha scheme?
The scheme “Mission Solar Charkha” is a pilot initiative of the Ministry of MSME to promote solar-powered livelihood opportunities in rural areas. It focuses on setting up Solar Charkha Clusters covering a focal village and nearby villages within an 8–10 km radius. Each cluster…
Who is eligible for Mission Solar Charkha?
> Criteria for selection of Promoter Agency/SPV: A. Existing Khadi and Village Industry Institution (KVI) could apply for setting up such a Cluster. However, the following parameters must be fulfilled: KVI having a positive balance sheet and assets in favour of the institution. KVI having an art…
What benefits does Mission Solar Charkha provide?
Maximum Subsidy per Cluster: Financial assistance up to ₹9.599 crore for setting up one Solar Charkha Cluster. > Capital subsidy for individual and for Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): 2000 Solar Charkhas at the maximum price of ₹45,000/- per charkha and a subsidy of ₹15,750/- per charkha works ou…
How can I apply for Mission Solar Charkha?
Step 1: The applicant/Promoter Agency may visit the Official Website of Mission Solar Charkha (MSC) to apply online. Step 2: The registered applicant may apply by clicking on ‘Apply Online”, if not registered, click on ‘New Registration’ and fill in all mandatory details. Step 3: After successful r…
Source: official scheme details published on the Government of India's myScheme portal. Always verify eligibility and deadlines on the official portal before applying. Scheme rules can change.
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