About the Scheme
The D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation (DBCDC), established in 1977, promotes economic development for backward class communities in Karnataka. Under this scheme, free sewing machines are distributed to women from backward class categories.
The scheme is especially beneficial for widows, single mothers, differently-abled women, and HIV-affected individuals. Applications are submitted annually through the ServicePlus / Seva Sindhu portal.
| Implementing Body | DBCDC, Karnataka |
| Department | Backward Classes Welfare |
| Beneficiary | Women (BC Categories) |
| Age Limit | 18 – 50 Years |
| Rural Income Limit | ₹98,000 / year |
| Urban Income Limit | ₹1,20,000 / year |
| Benefit | Free Sewing Machine |
| Application Mode | Online (ServicePlus) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Per Family | 1 Beneficiary Only |
| Official Website | dbcdc.karnataka.gov.in |
| Helpline | 080-22374832 |
Who Can Apply?
Women belonging to the following Backward Classes Categories in Karnataka are eligible:
Category 1
Extremely Backward & Deprived Communities
- Beda / Valmiki
- Bhovi / Voddar
- Koraba / Koraga
- Hasalaru
- Medari
- Nayaka / Iruliga
- Soligaru
- Other notified deprived BC communities
Category 2A
Other Backward Classes (OBC – Group A)
- Kuruba / Kuruma
- Kumbara (Potter)
- Bestha (Fishermen)
- Tigala
- Vadda (Quarry workers)
- Muslim OBC sub-groups
- Other OBC communities (2A list)
Category 3A
Backward Class Muslims
- Muslim OBC communities
- Dudekula / Laddaf
- Qureshi (Butcher)
- Darji (Tailor)
- Nalbandi (Farrier)
- Shaikh
- Other notified Muslim BC communities
⚠️ Excluded Communities: Even if in Cat 1, 2A, 3A or 3B — women from these communities are not eligible: Vishwakarma, Uppara, Ambiga, Savita, Madiwala, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic, Vokkaliga, Lingayat, Kadugolla, Hattigolla, Maratha, and their sub-communities.
Key Requirements
👩
Gender
Female Only
Male / Transgender not eligible
🎂
Age Limit
18 – 50 Years
As on the date of application
🏠
Domicile
Karnataka Resident
Valid permanent address proof required
💰
Rural Income
≤ ₹98,000 / year
Annual family income limit
🏙️
Urban Income
≤ ₹1,20,000 / year
Annual family income limit
🪡
Training
Tailoring Certificate
Preferred – adds selection priority
🏛️
Govt. Employment
Not Employed
Neither applicant nor family in govt jobs
🔁
Previous Benefit
Not Availed Before
Cannot have received similar scheme
👨👩👧
Per Family
1 Beneficiary Only
One woman per family only
Income Eligibility Table
| Category | Locality | Max Annual Income | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 1 | Rural | ₹98,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 1 | Urban | ₹1,20,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 2A | Rural | ₹98,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 2A | Urban | ₹1,20,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 3A | Rural | ₹98,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 3A | Urban | ₹1,20,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 3B | Rural | ₹98,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Cat 3B | Urban | ₹1,20,000 | ✅ Eligible |
| Excluded Communities | Any | — | ❌ Not Eligible |
Required Documents
Keep digital copies (PDF/JPG) ready before starting your online application.
🪪
Aadhaar Card
Identity & address proof
🍚
Ration Card
Ration Card number mandatory
📜
Caste Certificate (RD No.)
From Nadakacheri / e-JANMA
💼
Income Certificate (RD No.)
Annual family income certificate
📱
Mobile Number
Linked to Aadhaar for OTP
🧵
Tailoring Training Certificate
Adds priority to application
📸
Passport Size Photo
Recent colour photograph
🏠
Address Proof
Voter ID, utility bill, or govt-issued
💔
Widow / Divorcee Certificate
If applicable — adds priority
♿
Disability Certificate
From competent medical authority
🏥
HIV Certificate
From recognized health authority
🏦
Bank Passbook
For government benefit disbursements
How to Apply
1
Visit ServicePlus / Seva Sindhu Portal
Go to sevasindhuservices.karnataka.gov.in. Log in or create a new account.
2
Select the Scheme
Navigate to Backward Classes Welfare Dept → DBCDC → Sewing Machine Scheme for Women.
3
Fill the Application Form
Enter personal info, caste/income RD numbers, marital status, and training details accurately.
4
Upload Documents
Attach scanned copies of all required documents in the prescribed format and size.
5
Submit & Download Receipt
Accept the declaration, complete CAPTCHA, and submit. Download your receipt with reference number.
6
Verification & Selection
A PDO may conduct a home visit. District BC Welfare Department prepares the final selection list.
7
Receive Your Sewing Machine
Selected women are notified via SMS. Carry your receipt and original documents on distribution day.
💡 Offline Option: Apply at your nearest Karnataka One, Bangalore One, or Grama One service centre. Staff will help you fill and submit the application.
Priority Groups in Selection
When multiple eligible applications are received, the following get priority:
👩👧
WidowsWomen who have lost their spouse
💔
Covid-19 WidowsSpouse died due to Covid-19 — special consideration
♿
Differently Abled WomenWomen with any recognized disability
🚶♀️
Abandoned / Deserted WomenWomen abandoned by spouse or family
🏥
HIV-Affected WomenWomen living with HIV/AIDS
🧵
Women with Training CertificateFormal tailoring training from recognized institute
Frequently Asked Questions
Which categories are eligible?
Women in Backward Classes Category 1, 2A, 3A, and 3B are eligible. Excluded communities: Vishwakarma, Uppara, Ambiga, Savita, Madiwala, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic, Vokkaliga, Lingayat, Kadugolla, Hattigolla, Maratha and their sub-communities.
Can urban women apply?
Yes. Rural applicants must have a family income of ₹98,000 or less; urban applicants ₹1,20,000 or less per year.
Is a tailoring training certificate mandatory?
Not strictly mandatory, but highly recommended — it adds priority during the selection process.
What is the age limit?
The applicant must be between 18 and 50 years of age as on the date of application.
Can more than one woman in the same family apply?
No. Only one beneficiary per family is eligible.
How do I check my application status?
Log in to ServicePlus / Seva Sindhu and go to "View Status of Application." You will also receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number.
Can I apply again if I already received a sewing machine?
No. Women who have already received benefits under a similar government scheme are not eligible. Only one application per financial year is permitted.
What happens after my application is approved?
Selected candidates are notified via SMS and local notice boards. Machines are distributed at district headquarters or taluk centres. Bring original documents and your application receipt.
I don't have a caste or income certificate RD number. What do I do?
Obtain your certificates through Nadakacheri / Atalji Janasnehi Kendra or the e-JANMA portal. Visit your nearest Grama One centre for assistance.
Where can I get help with the application?
Call DBCDC helpline: 080-22374832 or 8050770004 / 8050770005. Visit Karnataka One, Bangalore One, or Grama One centres. Website: dbcdc.karnataka.gov.in.