The District Industry Center (DIC), operating under the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, provides a subsidized loan program for young professionals, guided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Initiated in 1978 by the Central Government, DIC's objective is to support tiny, cottage, village, and Small Scale Industries (SSIs) in smaller towns, ensuring they receive essential services and facilities.

Key Objective of DIC: The DIC primarily targets employment generation in India's rural areas. Functioning at the district level, DICs offer requisite support to budding entrepreneurs and first-time business owners initiating their MSMEs. In addition, DICs facilitate the registration and development of Industrial Cooperatives.

### Eligible Entities for DIC Loan:

• Individuals from scheduled castes, Safai Karamcharis families, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
• Physically disabled young professionals including engineers, doctors, architects, etc.

### Government Corporations Offering Business Loans

a) National Schedules Caste Finance & Development Corporation (NSCFDC)

• Offers term loans for projects up to Rs. 50 lakh
• Interest Rate for Beneficiaries: 6%-10% p.a. depending on the amount
• Unit Amount: Up to Rs. 50 lakh
• Loan can cover up to 95% of project cost

b) National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

• Interest Rates: 6% p.a. (Beneficiary), 3% p.a. (SCA)
• Funds up to 90% of unit cost; remaining 10% by State Channelizing Agencies (SCA)

c) National Backward Caste Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

• Covers various income-generating activities like agriculture, small business, transport, and professional trades
• Interest Rates: Loans up to Rs. 15 lakh at differentiated rates: 6-8% p.a.

d) National Physically Challenged Finance & Development Corporation (NPCFDC)

• Vishesh Microfinance Yojana (VMY) offers loans covering up to 90% of project cost
• Interest Rates: NHFDC to agencies at 4.50% p.a., to beneficiaries up to 12% p.a.

Key Functions of DIC:

• Arranging credit facilities, machinery & equipment
• Developing industrial clusters and identifying suitable schemes
• Supporting and financing new entrepreneurs
• Feasibility report preparation and financial backing for small units
• Providing raw materials

The activities and performance of DICs are monitored by the Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) and Director Of Industries & Commerce. The Government of India aids DICs financially through:

### Financial Assistance for DIC:

• Office Building Construction: Grants up to Rs. 2 lakh
• Office Expenditure: Up to Rs. 3 lakh
• Recurring Establishment: Covers up to 70% of actual expenditure, capped at Rs. 3.75 lakh

### Activities Carried Out by DICs:

• Allocation of sheds in Industrial Estates
• License clearance through Single Window Meetings
• Conducts Motivational Campaigns and distributes project profiles
• Implements Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana (PMRY)
• Facilitates marketing and raw material assistance with SIDCO
• Organizes Industrial Cooperative Societies and recommends Awards to SSI units

### Additional Functions of DICs:

Loan Arrangements: DICs coordinate with banks and financial institutions to fund entrepreneurs.

Training Courses: Conducts entrepreneur training programs for skill development.

Machinery and Equipment: Helps in acquiring machinery and equipment on a hire-purchase basis.

Survey Operations: Conducts surveys on industries and raw materials to forecast industry-specific product trends.

Promoting Rural Artisans: Works to enhance the skills of rural artisans through development programs.

Prior to DIC, entrepreneurs traversed multiple agencies for financial assistance and facilities, but now, with services delegated to DIC by the State Government, entrepreneurs can avail simplified and consolidated support.