Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes

Venture Capital Fund is a Social Sector Initiative launched by the Government of India with initial capital of Rs. 200 crore in order to promote entrepreneurship among the Scheduled Castes population in India. Under the scheme, financial assistance upto of Rs.15.00 Crore for a period upto 6 years would be provided to the SC entrepreneurs.

Performance Evaluation of Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes

A Parliamentary Standing Committee in 2018 noted that not a single penny was spent in 2017-

18 from this Fund. The committee noted, “Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes Entrepreneurs is the only scheme to promote entrepreneurship amongst the SCs, and to increase financial inclusion for SC entrepreneurs so as to motivate them for further growth in the society. Since introduction of the scheme in 2014-15, the allocation for this scheme is on wane… Since then very less amount has been allocated under this scheme ever year and there is “nil” utilisation in 2017-18.”