How is PMEGP Transforming Lives in Begusarai, Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PMEGP fosters self-employment by providing financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
- It promotes small-scale industries in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Beneficiaries like Amit Kumar showcase the transformational impact of the programme.
- The initiative helps create jobs for local youth, enhancing community development.
- PMEGP is implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is significantly impacting the lives of residents in Begusarai district, Bihar. This initiative is opening up numerous avenues for locals to pursue self-employment and establish their own businesses.
A few beneficiaries from Begusarai have successfully launched their own ventures and are providing job opportunities for others. The primary objective of this scheme is to foster small-scale industries in smaller towns, villages, and cities.
Amit Kumar, a local from Sihama village, shared with IANS that he first learned about the PMEGP in 2021. He approached UCO Bank and secured a loan of Rs 15 lakh under the programme.
With the financial assistance from the bank, Amit purchased a machine and established a Bulk Milk Cooling Unit (BMCU) at his residence, launching his own business. Currently, he collects between 1,000 to 1,500 liters of milk daily.
“We produce paneer, curd, gulab jamun, sponge cake, and curd, distributing them in the local market,” he explained.
His enterprise has also created a network of cattle-rearing farmers who benefit indirectly.
“We’ve employed about 10-12 youths from nearby areas. In the past, while farming, we solely managed our tasks without any support,” he stated.
“I source milk from 50 farmers. This initiative has engaged many villagers,” he added, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching such a scheme to help unemployed youth.
The local community admires Amit for his thriving business.
Raghav Kumar, another villager, remarked that Shwet Shakti has become a renowned brand not just for their village but for surrounding areas as well.
“People visit him seeking advice on how to benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Srijan Karyakram and what advantages it offers,” he noted.
PMEGP is a vital credit-linked subsidy initiative designed to create self-employment opportunities through the establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector. This scheme is administered by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), which serves as the coordinating body.
At the state level, the programme is executed through State KVIC Directorates, State Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs), District Industries Centres (DICs), and various banks.