Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme 2025 – Full Details, Eligibility, and How to Apply
In recent years, the Karnataka State Government has taken various steps to empower unemployed youth, women entrepreneurs, and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities. One such initiative is the Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme, which provides financial support to individuals for setting up mobile canteens. This scheme is intended to generate self-employment opportunities and improve food access in underserved areas.
In this article, we will explore every aspect of the Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme in Karnataka, including eligibility, application process, official links, subsidy structure, and more.
What Is the Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme?
The Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme is a government initiative aimed at helping individuals set up mobile food vans or canteens by providing a loan-cum-subsidy. It is primarily implemented by agencies such as the Karnataka State SC/ST Development Corporation, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation, and the Backward Classes Welfare Department.
Under this scheme, selected beneficiaries receive a loan of up to ₹5 lakh to purchase or build a fully-equipped food van. A subsidy amount—generally between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹3 lakh—is also provided to reduce the repayment burden.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
- To generate self-employment among unemployed youth and women.
- To promote entrepreneurship in rural and semi-urban Karnataka.
- To ensure accessible food services in areas where traditional restaurants are unavailable.
- To encourage mobile business models with low investment and high flexibility.
Key Features of the Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme |
| State | Karnataka |
| Implementing Departments | SC/ST Corporation, Ambedkar Dev. Corp, etc. |
| Target Beneficiaries | SC/ST, OBC, Minority, Women, Unemployed Youth |
| Loan Amount | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
| Subsidy Amount | ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 |
| Repayment Period | 3 to 5 years |
| Interest Rate | Varies (low interest or interest-free) |
| Application Mode | Online/Offline (District Office) |
| Official Website | kmdc.karnataka.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of the mobile canteen subsidy scheme, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Domicile: Must be a resident of Karnataka.
- Category: Must belong to SC/ST, OBC, Minority, or other backward categories.
- Age: Must be between 18 and 55 years.
- Educational Qualification: Should have minimum SSLC (10th) pass. In some districts, lower qualifications may be accepted with valid experience.
- Income Criteria:
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹3 lakh for urban applicants.
- For rural applicants, the income limit is often ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- Unemployment Status: Must be unemployed or under-employed at the time of application.
- No Previous Loan Defaults: Applicants must not be defaulters of any government schemes or banks.
Documents Required
You will need to submit the following documents along with your application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport-size Photographs
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Bank Passbook Copy
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Mobile Canteen
- Quotation for the Food Van or Vehicle
- Ration Card
- Voter ID / PAN / Driving License (any one as ID proof)
How to Apply for the Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme?
There are two main ways to apply for the scheme: online or offline through the district office.
Step-by-Step Process (Offline)
- Visit the District Office:
- Visit the office of the Karnataka SC/ST Development Corporation or Backward Classes Welfare Office in your district.
- Collect the Application Form:
- Request a form under the Self-Employment or Mobile Canteen Scheme.
- Fill in the Details:
- Enter all your personal, income, and caste details correctly.
- Attach the Documents:
- Submit the required documents listed above.
- Project Report Submission:
- Include a simple project report explaining the cost, expected income, and plan for your food van business.
- Submit Application:
- Submit your form to the concerned officer.
- Application Verification:
- Your application will be reviewed and verified by a Selection Committee.
- Loan and Subsidy Sanction:
- Upon approval, your loan is processed, and the subsidy amount is disbursed either directly to the vehicle vendor or to your bank account.
Online Application Process (If Available)
Some departments allow online application through their portals:
- Go to the official website:
https://kmdc.karnataka.gov.in - Click on Online Application for Subsidy Scheme.
- Select “Self-Employment Scheme” or “Mobile Canteen Scheme”.
- Fill in your Aadhaar and mobile number for OTP verification.
- Fill out the application form completely.
- Upload required documents in the correct format.
- Submit the application and save the acknowledgment.
Selection Process
After submission, the process follows these steps:
- Initial Verification: All documents are verified.
- Personal Interview: In some cases, candidates are called for a basic interview.
- Field Officer Visit: A field officer may verify your place of operation or residence.
- Approval: Once cleared, your loan and subsidy are sanctioned.
- Vehicle Purchase: You may be asked to submit a quotation or directly purchase a vehicle after approval.
- Disbursement: The vehicle cost is paid partially through the loan and partially through subsidy.
Benefits of Mobile Canteen Scheme
- Easy Access to Capital: Get funds up to ₹5 lakh with a significant portion as subsidy.
- No Need for Guarantor: In many cases, no collateral is required.
- Encouragement to Start Business: Beneficiaries can earn ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month based on location.
- Flexibility: A mobile canteen can move to markets, schools, construction sites, and events.
- Social Inclusion: Reserved for underprivileged communities to encourage inclusive growth.
- Skill Utilization: Great for individuals with culinary skills or hospitality experience.
Common Uses of Subsidy
The subsidy can be used to cover:
- Purchase of a food van or modified auto rickshaw.
- Kitchen equipment, burners, gas cylinders, solar panels (optional).
- Initial raw material or stock (grains, oil, snacks).
- Branding/painting of the vehicle.
- Setup costs like license, permits, or uniforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can women apply for this scheme?
Yes. Women, especially from SC/ST or backward classes, are encouraged to apply and may receive preference.
Q2: Can the food van be electric or green-certified?
Yes. Many departments promote eco-friendly vehicles, and applicants may get extra support for electric vans.
Q3: Will I need a business license?
Yes, after receiving your vehicle, you must register your mobile canteen with the local municipality or panchayat and get an FSSAI food safety license.
Q4: Is training provided?
In some cases, basic business or food safety training may be arranged by the corporation or NGO partners.
Official Website Links
Here are the government sites where you can track and apply:
- Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation:
https://kmdc.karnataka.gov.in - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation:
https://adcl.karnataka.gov.in - Backward Classes Welfare Department:
https://bcwd.karnataka.gov.in
You can also check updates at your district-level social welfare offices.
apply now
The Mobile Canteen Subsidy Scheme is a valuable initiative by the Government of Karnataka aimed at helping the marginalized start sustainable food businesses. With minimal investment, individuals can establish their own mobile canteen and become financially independent. The scheme’s loan-cum-subsidy model provides strong support for youth and women from SC/ST, OBC, and Minority communities.
If you are passionate about cooking or want to start your own food service business with government support, this scheme is a great opportunity.