Apply for the Kerala Saranya Loan Scheme 2026 via the employment.kerala.gov.in portal. The Kerala state government has introduced the Saranya program to support jobless women. This self-employment initiative aims to empower marginalized groups, including widows, divorcees, uneducated women, single women over 30, and unwed mothers from Scheduled Tribes. Participants can receive interest-free loans of up to Rs. 50,000 to launch their own businesses.
Under the Saranya program, the Employment Department provides a government subsidy covering 50% of the loan amount, capped at Rs. 25,000. Beneficiaries are required to repay the loan in 60 equal monthly installments.
While the Saranya scheme primarily targets individual entrepreneurs, women are also permitted to form groups for joint business ventures. Members of such joint startups can access higher loan amounts and increased subsidies compared to individual applicants.
Kerala Saranya Loan Scheme 2026 - Full Overview
This initiative was established by GO(P)No.81/2010/Labour on July 24, 2010. Saranya is a state-led self-employment program designed to help vulnerable groups, including widows, divorcees, deserted wives, single women over 30, unwed mothers from Scheduled Tribes, individuals with disabilities, and spouses of bedridden patients.
Applicants receive an interest-free loan of up to Rs. 50,000, with 50% (up to Rs. 25,000) provided as a government subsidy through the Employment Department. Repayment is structured over 60 equal monthly installments.
For ventures requiring more than Rs. 50,000, applicants must contribute 10% of the total project cost. Furthermore, a 3% flat interest rate applies to any loan amount exceeding Rs. 50,000. Successful businesses that have repaid at least 50% of their initial loan may qualify for additional funding (up to 80% of the original loan) at nominal interest rates to expand their operations.
The scheme supports both individual and group-based entrepreneurship. Every member involved in a joint venture is eligible for the maximum loan and subsidy benefits. Beneficiaries are not required to provide collateral security for the loan.
How to Register & Login at employment.kerala.gov.in
Job seekers registered with an Employment Exchange or first-time applicants can use the online portal to create an account and access these services.
STEP 1: Navigate to the official Kerala National Employment Service website at https://employment.kerala.gov.in/