Starting a poultry farm can be a good source of income for families and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). However, the initial investment required for purchasing chicks, constructing sheds, buying equipment and arranging feed can be difficult for many people.
To support eligible groups in starting small businesses and income-generating activities, the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation Limited (TABCEDCO) provides financial assistance through its Group Loan Scheme (GLS).
The scheme is implemented for eligible Self-Help Groups, and the loan can be used for various income-generating activities, including agriculture and related activities. Poultry farming is among the activities covered under the agriculture and allied activities category.
What is the TABCEDCO Group Loan Scheme?
The Group Loan Scheme (GLS) is a financial assistance programme offered through TABCEDCO in association with the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC).
Under this scheme, eligible Self-Help Groups can obtain financial assistance to start or expand small businesses and other income-generating activities.
According to the official TABCEDCO information, an SHG can have up to 20 members, and the group should have been functioning for at least 6 months from the date of formation.
The scheme is particularly aimed at supporting members of Backward Classes (BC), Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Denotified Communities (DNC).
Can the Group Loan Be Used for a Poultry Farm?
Yes.
TABCEDCO lists agriculture and allied activities among the areas that can receive financial assistance. These activities include poultry farming, dairy-related activities, fisheries, beekeeping and other income-generating agricultural activities.
Therefore, an eligible Self-Help Group with a proper poultry farming business plan can consider applying under the Group Loan Scheme.
However, approval is not automatic. The group must satisfy the eligibility conditions and the application will be assessed by the concerned authorities.
How Much Loan Can Be Obtained?
According to the current official TABCEDCO Group Loan Scheme information:
- Maximum loan per SHG member: ₹1.25 lakh
- Maximum loan for one SHG: ₹15 lakh
- Maximum SHG size: 20 members
- Repayment period: Up to 2.5 years
- Interest rate: 6%
- NBCFDC share: 90%
- TABCEDCO share: 10%
- Beneficiary share: 0%
The maximum amount that can actually be sanctioned depends on the eligibility of the group, the proposed business activity and the assessment of the application.
So, applicants should not assume that every group will automatically receive the maximum ₹15 lakh.
Who Can Apply for the Group Loan?
The Group Loan Scheme is intended for eligible Self-Help Groups.
According to TABCEDCO’s current eligibility information:
- The SHG should have eligible members from the BC, MBC or DNC communities.
- At least 60% of the members of the SHG should belong to BC, MBC or DNC communities.
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹5 lakh.
- The age of the beneficiary should generally be between 18 and 60 years.
- Only one loan is allowed per family.
- A beneficiary can avail a loan under only one TABCEDCO scheme at a time.
- The SHG should satisfy the required conditions and grading/assessment requirements.
What Can the Loan Be Used For?
The financial assistance can be used for viable income-generating activities.
For a poultry farming project, the proposed expenditure may include business-related requirements such as:
- Poultry shed setup
- Purchase of poultry equipment
- Purchase of chicks
- Feed and other essential inputs
- Basic infrastructure required for the farm
- Other approved business-related expenses
The exact expenses permitted under the loan should be confirmed with the concerned TABCEDCO officials before starting the project.
Important: This Is a Loan, Not Free Cash
Many social media posts describe government schemes as “free money” or “free ₹15 lakh”.
That wording can be misleading.
The TABCEDCO Group Loan Scheme is primarily a loan/financial assistance scheme. The amount sanctioned has to be repaid according to the applicable repayment terms.
Therefore, applicants should not pay money to agents or private individuals promising guaranteed approval.
Always verify the scheme through the official TABCEDCO website before submitting personal documents or making any payment.
How to Apply Online?
Eligible SHG group leaders can register and submit the Group Loan Scheme application through the official TABCEDCO online portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official TABCEDCO Portal
Go to the official online application portal:
TABCEDCO Group Loan Online Application
Step 2: Register the SHG
The group leader can register the Self-Help Group and its members through the online system.
Step 3: Select Group Loan Scheme
Choose the Group Loan Scheme (GLS) option and provide the required information.
Step 4: Enter Member Details
The required details of the SHG members should be entered correctly.
Step 5: Provide Business Details
Applicants should provide information about the proposed business activity.
If the group plans to start a poultry farm, the business proposal should clearly explain the proposed poultry farming activity and the expected investment.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Upload the documents requested by the portal/concerned department.
Applicants should make sure that all information and documents are accurate before submitting the application.
Step 7: Submit and Track the Application
After submitting the application, the group leader can use the online portal to check the status of the application.
TABCEDCO’s official portal specifically states that SHG team leaders can apply under the Group Loan Scheme and check the status of their submitted application.
Is the ₹15 Lakh Loan Guaranteed?
No.
The ₹15 lakh figure is the maximum loan amount for an SHG, not a guaranteed amount for every applicant.
The actual amount sanctioned depends on factors such as eligibility, group details, proposed business activity and the assessment/approval process.
Therefore, applicants should be careful about websites or social media videos claiming that everyone can automatically receive ₹15 lakh.
Is There an Official Government Application Link?
Yes.
The official TABCEDCO website provides an online application facility for the Group Loan Scheme.
Official Online Application:
Apply Online – TABCEDCO Group Loan Scheme
Applicants can also visit the official TABCEDCO website for scheme details and eligibility information:
Final Words
The Tamil Nadu Government’s TABCEDCO Group Loan Scheme is a genuine financial assistance programme for eligible Self-Help Groups.
Groups planning to start a poultry farm can explore this scheme because poultry farming is included under agriculture and allied income-generating activities mentioned by TABCEDCO.
However, this should not be confused with a completely free government grant. It is a loan-based financial assistance scheme, and eligible beneficiaries must follow the applicable repayment conditions.
Before applying, applicants should check the latest eligibility rules and documents on the official TABCEDCO website.
Important: Scheme rules, loan limits, eligibility conditions and application procedures can change. Always verify the latest information on the official government portal before submitting an application.
