The Government of Karnataka has launched several vehicle subsidy schemes aimed at promoting self-employment and sustainable transportation among its residents. These initiatives, such as the Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme and the Airavata Scheme, provide financial assistance to eligible individuals for purchasing vehicles like taxis, goods carriers, and electric vehicles. This comprehensive guide outlines the key features, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and benefits of these schemes.(govtschemes.in)

Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme
Overview
The Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme is an initiative by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation Limited (KMDC) designed to empower unemployed youth from minority communities, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) by providing subsidies for purchasing vehicles. The scheme aims to promote self-employment and improve the socio-economic status of these communities.(govtschemes.in)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a permanent resident of Karnataka.(govtschemes.in)
- Belong to Minority, SC, ST, or OBC communities.(karmin.in)
- Aged between 18 and 55 years.(govtschemes.in)
- Have an annual family income not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh.(Government schemes)
- Possess a valid driving license.(govtschemes.in)
- Not have availed benefits from KMDC schemes in the past five years (excluding the Arivu scheme).(govtschemes.in)
Subsidy Details
The scheme offers subsidies based on the applicant’s community:
- SC/ST: Up to 75% of the vehicle cost or ₹4 lakh, whichever is lower.(govtschemes.in)
- Minority/OBC: Up to 50% of the vehicle cost or ₹3 lakh, whichever is lower.
- Passenger Auto Rickshaw: A fixed subsidy of ₹75,000.(govtschemes.in)
The remaining cost can be financed through loans from financial institutions.(govtschemes.in)
Application Process
- Online Registration: Visit the KMDC Online Application Management Portal and register using your mobile number and Aadhaar details.(govtschemes.in)
- Form Submission: Complete the application form with personal, vehicle, and bank details.(govtschemes.in)
- Document Upload: Upload necessary documents, including:
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Caste and income certificates.(kmdc.karnataka.gov.in)
- Aadhaar card.(Government schemes)
- Driving license.(govtschemes.in)
- Bank passbook.(Government schemes)
- Vehicle quotation.(Government schemes)
- Self-declaration form.(govtschemes.in)
- Verification: The application and documents are reviewed by a selection panel.(govtschemes.in)
- Approval and Disbursement: Upon approval, the subsidy amount is directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account.(Government schemes)
Contact Information
- Helpline: 080-22860999(govtschemes.in)
- WhatsApp Support: 08277799990(govtschemes.in)
- Email: [email protected](govtschemes.in)
Airavata Scheme
Overview
The Airavata Scheme is a self-employment initiative targeting unemployed SC youth in Karnataka. It provides financial assistance for purchasing taxis and facilitates partnerships with ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber. The scheme aims to enhance employment opportunities and income levels among the SC community.(Government schemes)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Belong to the Scheduled Caste community.(Government schemes)
- Be a resident of Karnataka.(Government schemes)
- Be aged 21 years or above.(Government schemes)
- Possess a valid driving license and cab badge.(Government schemes)
- Have an annual family income not exceeding ₹5 lakh.(Government schemes)
- Not have received a subsidy exceeding ₹1 lakh from the Karnataka Government.(Government schemes)
Subsidy Details
The scheme offers a subsidy of ₹5 lakh to eligible applicants for purchasing a light motor vehicle. The government has allocated ₹225 crore for this initiative.(Government schemes)
Application Process
- Online Registration: Visit the official website of the Karnataka Government’s Social Welfare Department.(Government schemes)
- Form Submission: Click on the “Karnataka Airavata Scheme Registration Form” and fill in the required details.(Government schemes)
- Document Upload: Upload necessary documents, including:(Sarkari Yojana)
- Aadhaar card.(Government schemes)
- Bonafide certificate.(Government schemes)
- PAN card.(Government schemes)
- Ration card.(Government schemes)
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Driving license.
- SC certificate.(Government schemes)
- Age proof certificate.(Government schemes)
- Valid mobile number.(Government schemes)
- Verification: The application is reviewed, and eligible candidates are selected based on merit, including factors like age, educational qualification, and driving experience.(Government schemes)
- Approval and Disbursement: Selected applicants receive the subsidy amount, which can be used to purchase a vehicle and partner with ride-hailing services.(Government schemes)
Electric Vehicle Subsidy in Karnataka
Overview
To promote sustainable transportation, the Karnataka Government has implemented policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). These policies offer financial incentives and support for setting up charging infrastructure.(TATA AIG)
Key Features
- FAME-II Scheme: Under the central government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme, consumers can receive subsidies up to ₹15,000 for electric two-wheelers, based on battery capacity.(upevsubsidy.com)
- State Incentives: Karnataka’s EV policy provides additional incentives for EV buyers, including tax exemptions and support for establishing charging stations.
Application Process
- Vehicle Purchase: Choose an EV model eligible under the FAME-II scheme.
- Dealer Assistance: Authorized dealers assist in processing the subsidy during the purchase.(ClearTax)
- Documentation: Provide necessary documents, such as Aadhaar card and vehicle registration details.
- Subsidy Disbursement: The subsidy amount is adjusted in the vehicle’s purchase price or credited to the buyer’s account, depending on the scheme’s provisions.
Conclusion
Karnataka’s vehicle subsidy schemes are instrumental in promoting self-employment and sustainable transportation among its residents. By providing financial assistance for purchasing vehicles, these initiatives aim to uplift marginalized communities and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly transportation options. Eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of these schemes to improve their livelihoods and contribute to a greener future.