(1) For the purpose of rule 17, if any free earner or group wants to take loan, he should submit an application to the welfare officer in the format as per Schedule-3.

(2) Sub-rule ( 1) If it is deemed necessary to provide a loan to the applicant after examining the application received as per the following, the following authorities or agencies may provide a loan to the free worker or group:-

(a) Fifty thousand If up to Rs., the concerned welfare officer,
(b) In case of more than fifty thousand rupees up to one lakh rupees, the sub-committee,
(c) If it is more than one lakh rupees, by the secretary of the ministry on the recommendation of the sub-committee.

(3) For the purpose of clause (b) of sub-rule (2), there will be a sub-committee headed by the head of the shipping office and surveyor's office under the coordination of the welfare officer.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), the Secretary of the Ministry shall provide on the recommendation of the Credit Committee as per sub-rule (1) of rule 17.