Patna: Patna: The industries department has received over 210 online applications in response to the Mukhyamantri Anusuchit Jati and Anusuchit Janjati Udyami Yojana to help Dalit entrepreneurs set up their ventures.

Only 17 of the applications are from Patna. The rest are from different districts.

"We are receiving around 20 applications a day on average and the numbers are expected to increase," a senior industries department official said on Wednesday.

The scheme was launched on June 22. The ideas received range from electrical equipment repairing centres, readymade garment manufacturing, tent-house business, production of disposable diapers and sanitary napkins to footwear, agricultural implements, furniture, ice-cream units and oil mills. Most applicants are either Class XII pass, or graduates. A few hold diplomas in engineering, and a couple of them are postgraduates.

"We are happy that a majority of applicants are from rural areas or faraway districts," said principal secretary, industries, S. Siddharth.

The shortlisted candidates will undergo 15-day training at Development Management Institute, LN Mishra Institute of Economic Development and Social Change, and Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna in Patna from July 16. The entrepreneurs will be provided interest-free loans for 50 per cent (maximum limit Rs 5 lakh) of the project cost, while the rest (maximum Rs 5 lakh) will be given as grant or subsidy. The government will also provide up to Rs 25,000 to the beneficiaries.