In a bit to give a sigh of relief to minorities, the state government has relaxed the age limit to 55 years from the present 40 for self- employment schemes on Thursday. Orders were issued by the government to this effect.

The state government on Thursday relaxed the age of applicants of bank linked subsidy cum loan scheme from 21 to 55 years in respect of minority candidates on par with BCs and tribal candidates, after receiving recommendations for increasing the age of eligibility for minorities.

SSC certificate, Aadhar card, voter Id card, ration card, etc, can be submitted as a proof for age.

According to the orders issued, the vice-chairman and managing director of Minorities Finance Corporation and Christian TSMFC and all district collectors are requested to seek applications for bank linked subsidy cum loan scheme from eligible minority candidates, through online up to 27 March and to process the applications for sanction as was done in previous years, the said.