Uttarakhand CM Allocates ₹33.22 Crore for Self-Employment Initiative
On Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami facilitated the transfer of ₹33.22 crore directly into the bank accounts of 3,848 beneficiaries as part of the Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme.
This transfer was executed via an online platform from the Chief Minister’s official residence, as reported by officials.
During the announcement, Dhami articulated the state government’s ambition to foster a culture where youth evolve from job seekers into job creators.
He emphasized that the scheme has significantly bolstered small enterprises, stimulated reverse migration, and engendered local employment opportunities.
The government revealed that the scheme primarily aids returnees, aspiring entrepreneurs, artisans, handicraft workers, and educated individuals who are unemployed. Eligible permanent residents may secure loans through nationalized, cooperative, and regional rural banks, targeting sectors such as manufacturing, services, and trade.
Financial support available under the scheme includes project costs of up to ₹25 lakh for manufacturing and ₹10 lakh for service and trading enterprises. Beneficiaries can receive margin money subsidies ranging from 15% to 25% of the total project cost.
Initially, the government aimed to assist approximately 32,000 beneficiaries; however, over 35,000 individuals have already benefited from the initiative. Cumulatively, loans exceeding ₹1,389 crore have been disbursed, resulting in the creation of nearly 65,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state.
Furthermore, Dhami disclosed plans to amplify the initiative with the introduction of Self-Employment Scheme 2.0 in 2025, which will merge the existing program with a new Nano scheme.
The revamped framework entails an increase in the subsidy cap to 30%, including an additional incentive of up to 5% for projects situated in challenging geographical zones or linked to specific social and product-oriented priorities.
To enhance transparency and mitigate delays, the Chief Minister asserted that subsidies are transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
He noted that employing technology-driven processes significantly improves efficiency in implementing the scheme.
During the event, several beneficiaries recounted their experiences in launching or expanding small ventures, such as libraries, vehicle service centers, fitness clubs, manufacturing facilities, and mobile service businesses.
Industry department officials indicated that this scheme is a pivotal component of the state’s comprehensive employment strategy, particularly in rural and semi-urban districts.
Source link: Hindustantimes.com.
