TAHDCO Scheme: Meaning, Application, Eligibility and Benefits in 2025

Established in 1974, the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO) plays a vital role in the social and economic upliftment of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in Tamil Nadu. Over the years, TAHDCO has introduced various housing, loan, and subsidy schemes aimed at improving living standards and ensuring access to basic amenities. Operating under the Companies Act, 1956, TAHDCO works in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to implement welfare and development programs. Its mission is to empower marginalized communities, promote self-reliance, and provide opportunities for sustainable livelihood and housing security across the state.

What is TAHDCO?

TAHDCO was incorporated in 1974 under the Companies Act, 1956. The Tamil Nadu state government and the Government of India collectively contribute to the Share Capital of the Corporation in the ratio of 51:49. Currently, the authorised share capital of the corporation is Rs 150 crores and the paid-up share capital is Rs 128.27 crores.

Important functions of the Adi Dravidar corporation:

• It implements economic development schemes for uplifting SCs and STs
• It imparts skill development training to youth belonging to these communities 
• It undertakes construction activities as directed by the Government

Now, let us see how the SC Adi Dravidar Corporation works. The organisational structure is roughly described below:

• Two TAHDCO functional wings are headed by the Managing Director (MD)
• The development wing consists of 32 offices in each district headquarters
• The construction wing consists of 10 divisions. There are 2 divisions in Chennai and 1 each at Trichy, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Salem, Coimbatore, Villupuram and Vellore

The corporate office is connected to the District Manager’s office and Division office via a customised integrated ERP solution.

Applying for TAHDCO Programs

TAHDCO programs are designed to empower tribal communities in Tamil Nadu. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit all necessary documentation for consideration.

Steps to Apply:

• Step1: Access the official TAHDCO portal or visit the nearest TAHDCO office.
• Step2: Review program-specific eligibility and benefits.
• Step3: Complete the application form with accurate details.
• Step4: Gather the required documents, such as ID proof and an income certificate.
• Step5: Apply online or in person at the office.
• Step6: Monitor application progress through the portal or office notifications.

Functions and Services of TAHDCO New Scheme 2025

TAHDCO’s 2025 initiatives aim to empower tribal communities through a range of programs, including housing, financial support, skill development, and collaborations with other government schemes. These services are structured under the following key areas:

Housing Schemes

Provides affordable and safe housing options for tribal families, improving living conditions and access to basic amenities.

Financial Assistance Programs

Offers monetary support for education, entrepreneurship, and livelihood projects to enhance economic stability among tribal populations.

Skill Development & Training

Organises vocational training and workshops to improve employability and promote sustainable income-generating skills.

Collaboration with Other Government Schemes

Partners with central and state government programs to maximise benefits, ensuring comprehensive support for tribal welfare and development.

TAHDCO Loan Eligibility

TAHDCO offers various loan schemes, and eligibility requirements vary by program. Here's a breakdown of two common TAHDCO loan categories:

Income Generation Projects for SC/ST Individuals

• Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. TAHDCO offers loan schemes specifically designed to support business ventures for SC/ST individuals.
• Annual family income should be below the poverty line:
  • Rural areas: less than Rs. 18,460/-
  • Urban areas: less than Rs. 28,536/-
• The project should be for an income-generating activity costing between Rs. 6,000/- and Rs. 7.5 Lakhs.

Land Purchase Scheme for SC/ST Women

• Applicant must be a Scheduled Caste woman between 18 and 65 years old.
• Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 1.00 Lakh.
• The applicant should not own any agricultural land currently.
• The purchased land must be under the applicant's name and cannot be sold for the next 20 years.

General Eligibility Requirements (may vary by program)

• The TAHDCO loan age limit generally falls within the range of 18-65 years old. However, there can be exceptions depending on the specific loan scheme.
• Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 1.00 Lakh (exceptions apply for some schemes).
• Applicants and family members may not have availed of similar subsidies earlier (exceptions apply for some schemes).
• Possession of relevant certificates (e.g., income certificate, community certificate) as mandated by the program.

Benefits of TAHDCO

TAHDCO focuses on the welfare and development of the Adi Dravidar community. It plays a significant role in providing various benefits to this marginalized section of society. Some of the key benefits of TAHDCO are as follows:

• Affordable Housing: TAHDCO offers financial assistance and subsidies to help Adi Dravidar individuals and families in acquiring affordable housing. This ensures that they have access to safe and decent living conditions.
• Loan Facilities: The corporation provides loans to eligible Adi Dravidar beneficiaries for constructing or renovating their houses. These loans often come with low-interest rates and flexible repayment options, making it easier for the community members to fulfill their housing needs.
• Infrastructure Development: TAHDCO takes initiatives to develop essential infrastructure in Adi Dravidar habitations, such as roads, water supply systems, drainage facilities, and streetlights. This improves the community's overall quality of life and enhances its access to basic amenities.
• Skill Training and Employment: The corporation conducts skill development programs to empower the Adi Dravidar youth with relevant job-oriented skills. This helps in enhancing their employability and income-earning potential, enabling them to lead economically sustainable lives.
• Educational Support: TAHDCO provides financial aid and scholarships to Adi Dravidar students pursuing higher education. This support encourages academic achievement and helps in bridging the educational gap within the community.
• Entrepreneurship Promotion: TAHDCO offers assistance and guidance to Adi Dravidar entrepreneurs in establishing and running their own businesses. This fosters economic self-reliance and creates opportunities for wealth creation within the community.
• Social Welfare Programs: The corporation organizes various social welfare programs, including health camps, awareness campaigns, and community development initiatives. These efforts promote the overall well-being and social upliftment of the Adi Dravidar community.
• Financial Inclusion: TAHDCO facilitates access to banking and financial services for the Adi Dravidar community. By promoting financial inclusion, the corporation enables individuals to save, invest, and build financial stability for themselves and their families.

The benefits provided by TAHDCO help address socio-economic disparities and empower the Adi Dravidar community in Tamil Nadu. Through its diverse programs, the corporation aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Construction Activities of TAHDCO

Every year, TAHDCO constructs schools, hostels, teachers’ quarters, chemical and biological laboratories, tribal residents’ schools and community halls. All these developments take place under the supervision of the SC Adi Dravidar and the Tribal Welfare of the Govt of Tamil Nadu. The construction activities that TAHDCO is a part of are listed below:

• Hostels-ADW
• Hostels-Tribal
• Schools
• GTR school
• Community Hall
• Science laboratory
• Teachers’ quarters
• Infrastructural facilities for ADW Habitations-NABARD scheme RIDF XIV
• Infrastructural facilities for ADW & Tribal Schools-NABARD scheme RIDF XII
• Repairs, special repairs, maintenance as well as additional constructions for the hostels
• Builds toilet blocks for school

Here is the latest chart Adi Dravidar organization chart based on Tender notice 07/2020-21/Dt 10-02-2021

Scheme	2005-2006	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009
Phy	Fin (In Lakhs)	Phy	Fin (In Lakhs)	Phy	Fin (In Lakhs)	Phy	Fin (In Lakhs)
Girls Hostel	8	309.64	10	333.23	5	156.36	6	526.88
Boys Hostel	88	2554.5	52	2016.4	30	690.54	12
Tribal Hostel	1	66.83	2	54.99	1	24.85
School Building	28	159.11	7	29.58	29	189.03	16	116.39
GTR School	2	85.4	6	23.55	3	67.65	3	42.50
Science Lab	6	119.31	4	12.73	8	109.75	6	47.2
Community Halls	1	10.09	9	49.53	10	61.04	5	45.53
Teachers Quarters	–		1	17.17	3	6.89	20	24.49
Other schemes	20	304.64	25	133.88	99	139.66	21	94.65
School Infrastructure and Habitation Infrastructure	–	–	–	–	–	–	14	1309.31
TOTAL	154	3609.52	116	2671.06	188	1445.77	103	2206.9

Economic Development by TAHDCO

TAHDCO works as a catalyst in empowering the Adi Dravidar community through their economic and livelihood development by implementing various initiatives including:

• TAHDCO extends financial support, counseling, and training to Adi Dravidar entrepreneurs to encourage small enterprises and self-employment activities through loan facilities, subsidies, and skill development schemes.
•  It works through livelihood development programs to improve the earnings capacity of the Adi Dravidar population by providing vocational training, placement services, and earning opportunities.
• TAHDCO provides access to credit with loans at reasonable interest rates to assist individuals in investing in agriculture and other productive enterprises to achieve financial stability.
• It establishes market linkages for Adi Dravidar entrepreneurs' and self-help groups' products and services by bringing them to buyers and subsidizing marketing activities.
• TAHDCO organizes skill training programs to enhance the employability of Adi Dravidar youth to enable them to get better jobs.
• Through development schemes and construction programs, TAHDCO strives to elevate the community through the provision of housing assistance and general economic prosperity.

Land Purchase TAHDCO Scheme Details

Under this Adi Dravidar scheme, SC residents receive land as a subsidy. This land is 100% exempt from stamp duty. Maximum 30% of the cost of the project or Rs 2.25 lakhs whichever is the TAHDCO subsidy for each family. While TAHDCO offers subsidies up to 50% of the project cost for some schemes, the exact percentage varies depending on the program. For a comprehensive understanding of your eligibility and the benefits you can receive, explore TAHDCO subsidy details outlined on their website or by contacting your local office.

Eligibility for Land Purchase Scheme - 

• The candidate must be a Schedule Caste Woman.
• The candidate must be in the age group of 18-65.
• The candidate’s annual family income must be less than Rs 1 Lakh.
• The candidate should not own any agricultural land.
• The candidate’s occupation must be Agriculture.
• Candidates or family members must not have benefited from the subsidy yet.

TAHDCO Loan Subsidy Eligibility Criteria

Conditions to be fulfilled for the TAHDCO Land loan subsidy scheme.

• The land to be purchased must be selected by the candidate.
• Landowners should not belong to the Scheduled Caste.
• Land must be purchased under the candidate’s name.
• Purchased land should not be sold out in the next 20 years.

TAHDCO Land Development Scheme

Land Development TAHDCO Scheme is a program initiated by Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) to facilitate the development of land for the benefit of the Adi Dravidar community. Through this scheme, TAHDCO aims to provide eligible beneficiaries with access to land for various purposes, such as housing, agriculture, and economic activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The scheme is primarily targeted at members of the Adi Dravidar community in Tamil Nadu.
• The applicant must fulfill the specific eligibility criteria set by TAHDCO, which may include factors such as income, residency, and social category.

Conditions Under the Land Development TAHDCO Scheme:

• The land provided under the scheme is typically leased for a specified period, subject to conditions and terms defined by TAHDCO.
• Beneficiaries are expected to utilize the land for the designated purpose as agreed upon with TAHDCO, such as residential construction, agricultural cultivation, or business establishment.
• Compliance with the legal requirements, rules, and regulations related to land development and usage is mandatory.

The Key Features of the Land Development TAHDCO Scheme:

• Provision of Land: The scheme aims to provide eligible beneficiaries from the Adi Dravidar community with access to land suitable for their specific needs, including residential, agricultural, or commercial purposes.
• Lease Agreement: Land is leased, ensuring beneficiaries have the right to use it for a specified period. TAHDCO defines the lease terms and are subject to adherence to the conditions of the scheme.
• Customized Land Development: TAHDCO assists the beneficiaries in developing the allocated land according to their specific requirements. This may include providing support for infrastructure development, housing construction, or agricultural practices.
• Financial Assistance: TAHDCO may offer financial assistance in the form of loans, subsidies, or grants to support land development activities undertaken by the beneficiaries.
• Technical Support: The scheme provides technical guidance and support to beneficiaries in matters related to land development, construction, and agricultural practices. This helps in ensuring optimal utilization of the allocated land and maximizing its potential benefits.

TAHDCO Scheme for Self-Employment of Youth (SEPY)

A financial subsidy of Rs 30,000 and Rs 1,00,000 is given to young Siddha doctors and dentists respectively in the age range of 18-45. They receive training and then branch out into commercial ventures of their choice. They also obtain financial assistance for the same.

Eligibility Criteria for SEPY 

• Candidates should belong to the Scheduled Caste. (TAHDCO SC)
• The annual family income of the candidate’s family must be less than Rs 1 Lakh.
• The candidate must have some experience in the trade.
• The candidate must have the eligibility certificate given by recognised institutes.

Conditions to be fulfilled for SEPY 

• The candidate will be allowed to select the trade.
• Any assets created or benefits earned must be registered under the candidate’s name.
• The candidate must conduct business in the same district where the subsidy is sanctioned.

TAHDCO Loan Details for Economic Development 

For the upliftment of the SC section, the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Organisation has been constantly implementing different schemes. Let us take a detailed look into some of them:

• Entrepreneur Development program- The Tamil Nadu Government provides financial assistance to SC individuals between the age group of 18-65. This helps in creating incomes. For example, shops, TAHDCO car loan for tourism purposes, TAHDCO vehicle loan for rickshaws and autos as well as tailoring and many other jobs. However, the individual has to have prior experience in the same/related field(s) to qualify. Their annual family income must be less than Rs 1 Lakh.
• Setting up petrol/diesel/ gas outlets- Another TAHDCO scheme to empower the Scheduled Caste. This helps ensure equal opportunities for Adi Dravidars to join the industrialisation movement. However, they should meet the basic eligibility criteria as mentioned by the oil agencies.
• Setting up Clinics - Young doctors in rural areas are handed a TAHDCO loan subsidy for setting up their clinics. This indirectly helps to improve medical facilities in rural/semi-urban areas too.
• Revolving Fund and Economic assistance to self-help groups- Rs 10,000 is given as a front-end TAHDCO subsidy to self-help groups. Moreover, 50% of the project cost of Rs 2.50 lakhs is given to self-help groups.
• Fast-track Power supply (EB) Deposit scheme- This scheme aims to provide EB connection to SC/ST beneficiaries.
• Land development scheme- This is extended to individuals in the age group of 18-65, irrespective of gender, for creating water resources and irrigation facilities. Applicant’s annual family income must be less than Rs 1 Lakh. 
• Collector’s discretionary fund- TAHDCO loan for SC/ST, which supports higher aspirations and provides assistance through a 100% grant.
• Managing Director’s Discretionary Fund- Managing Director’s Discretionary Fund- Rs 100 lakhs is kept as a corpus with the Managing Director. This is usually used to improve medical facilities and help with higher education.
• TAHDCO Chairman’s Discretionary Fund- TAHDCO loan and subsidy meant for Adi Dravidar widows, individuals affected with HIV and children without parents.

Other than these, the TAHDCO loan subsidy is also extended to - 

• Candidates who have passed the civil services examination
• Law graduates who want to start practising
• Candidates who are appearing for the TNPSC Group-I Mains
• Chartered accountants/ Cost accountants to set up practices
• Women Industrial Tailoring Co-op Society under Social Welfare Development

Skill Development by TAHDCO- Scheme Details

The Tamil Nadu government allocated Rs 25 crores for the skill development and training for SC/ST and other backward classes. Basic level beautician training and tailoring are provided to women. Training for heavy vehicle driving is also imparted. Information Technology training is imparted in fields of Tally, Hardware and Networking, BPO/Call centre, Multimedia and Animation as well as in Technical and Non-Technical sectors. Training is also given in the areas of retail management and travel and tourism management. Experts and teachers impart coaching for competitive examinations like CAT, IIT-JEE/AIEEE, Banking, Insurance and TNPSC exam. Government-approved trainers also give training in the field of food production and food beverages.

Other Schemes of TAHDCO

The Government has issued orders to form the National Scavenger Welfare Board under the chairmanship of the Honourable Minister for Adi Dravidar and the Tribal Welfare Department. 

Here is a chart showing detailed financial assistance schemes:

S. No	Welfare schemes for the members of the Board	Financial Assistance (Rupees)
1	Accident
	a)  Death because of Accident	1,00,000
	b) Physically Handicapped because of Accident	10,000 to 1,00,000
2	Natural Death	15,000
3	Cremation (Burial)	2,000
4	Education
	a) Studying 10th Std (Female)	1,000
	b) 10th std pass	1,000
	c) Studying 11th Std (Female)	1,000
	d) studying 12th Std (Female)	1,500
	e) 12th Std., passed	1,500
	f) Regular Degree Course	1,500
	Hostel stays with regular degree	1,750
	g) Regular Post Graduates	2,000
5	Hostel stay with Post Graduates	3,000
	I) Bachelor of Technical Education	2,000
	Hostel stays with Technical Education	4,000
	Post Graduates   Technical Education	4,000
	Hostel stays with P.G Technical Education	6,000
	I.T.I. (or) Technical Training Education	1,000
	With Hostel
	I.T.I. (or) Multi Technical Training   Education	1,200
5	Marriage Assistance	2,000
6	Pregnancy
	a) Pregnancy per Month Rs. 1,000 (6 months)	6,000
	b)  abortion/ Miscarriage	3,000
7	Towards the replacement of Spectacles / Purchase of New spectacles	upto 500
8	Pension per month	400

TAHDCO Loan Application online

• TAHDCO now allows online applications for its schemes. Applicants can also check their loan and application status on the official website.
• A TAHDCO loan application form PDF is available for download from the official portal.
• The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) was initiated to ensure socio-economic development for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
• TAHDCO has launched various schemes promoting economic growth, skill development, and infrastructure/construction improvements across Tamil Nadu.
• The corporation focuses on providing affordable housing, financial assistance, skill training, educational support, and entrepreneurship opportunities to uplift marginalised communities.
• TAHDCO undertakes construction projects, including schools, hostels, community halls, and other essential infrastructure for community benefit.
• The corporation facilitates land purchase schemes and provides economic development opportunities such as loans, subsidies, and market linkages.
• Overall, TAHDCO’s initiatives contribute to creating an inclusive and equitable society, empowering the Adi Dravidar community to improve their living standards and achieve their aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions