Answer Book question

Someone offered to "get me the subsidy" for a fee. Is that legitimate?

Be careful. Applications are free; help with preparing them is a legitimate service; guaranteeing an outcome is not. Anyone who promises approval, asks for a percentage of the subsidy, or wants cash for "speed money" is either a fraud or asking you to participate in one. Legitimate help charges a transparent fee for preparation and follow-up, and cannot promise the result.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

Be careful. Applications are free; help with preparing them is a legitimate service; guaranteeing an outcome is not. Anyone who promises approval, asks for a percentage of the subsidy, or wants cash for "speed money" is either a fraud or asking you to participate in one. Legitimate help charges a transparent fee for preparation and follow-up, and cannot promise the result.

Real life

An "agent" takes ₹40,000 from an applicant promising a ₹4 lakh subsidy. The application is never filed. Another applicant pays a service a fixed fee for document preparation, project report and follow-up; the application is filed properly and sanctioned on its merits.

What this means

Preparation and follow-up have value. Outcomes are decided by committees. Conflating the two is the tell.

What to check

Is the fee for work or for the result? Is there a written scope? Will you see and sign the application yourself? Is any payment requested for officials?

What people often miss

Paying percentage-of-subsidy fees.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Kerala Rising charges for research, preparation and follow-up. We do not promise outcomes, and we do not pay anyone.

An example

Fixed fee for preparation: legitimate. Percentage of outcome plus "speed money": walk away.

When this may not be the right answer

None.

What to do next

Ask for a written scope Refuse outcome-based or cash-for-officials arrangements

Related questions

Why do scheme applications take so long? The machine seller says I will get 35% subsidy. How do I verify it?

Related Kerala Rising help

Loans, grants & subsidies

Sources and what to verify

Scheme notifications from Government of Kerala departments (Industries, Agriculture, Social Justice, Fisheries, Kudumbashree) · Central scheme guidelines (PMEGP, PM-FME, PMAY, PMJJBY/PMSBY, Atal Pension Yojana) · Kerala Rising Business Money Library. each scheme page carries its own checking date Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Tell us who you are (age, district, occupation, category) and what you want to do.

Sources and what to verify · continued

We will run the whether you may qualify check and tell you which schemes are real for you. and which are not. com Kerala Rising › Loans, grants & subsidies · Schemes 15

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.