Some youth
and women possess intelligence and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, yet they
often find themselves unable to realize their business aspirations due to
challenging economic conditions and inadequate support systems. In
recognition of this issue and to foster economic empowerment among youth
and women, the Government of India has taken proactive measures by
implementing the Pradhan
Mantri Rozgar Yojana scheme aimed at promoting
financial literacy and providing support for youth and female
entrepreneurs. These initiatives not only aim to break down the barriers
hindering youth and women's entry into the business world but also strive
to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.
What is Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana is a
flagship scheme launched by the Government of India in October 1993 aimed at
providing self-employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youth and
women.
Main
Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana are as follows:
Employment
Generation: To create self-employment opportunities
through the establishment of micro-enterprises.
Skill
Development: To provide necessary skills and
training to the unemployed to help them become self-employed.
Economic
Development: To promote small-scale industries and
contribute to economic development, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Women
Empowerment: To encourage and facilitate women's
participation in the workforce by providing them with the means to become
self-employed.
Key
Features
Eligibility:
The individual must be educated unemployed youth or woman between 18 – 35 years
of age and minimum qualification 8th standard pass. The special advantage given to SC/ST.
Project
Cost: The maximum cost allowed for a project under this
scheme is Rs. 1 lakh for business sector, Rs. 2 lakhs for other activities, and
Rs. 5 lakhs for industry-related activities.
Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana Loan Subsidy:
A loan subsidy of up to 15% of the project cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 7,500
per entrepreneur.
Loan
Facility: Individual can be apply for the balance amount of
the project cost in banks or banks will provide the balance amount as a term
loan.
Deposit:
No Deposit is required for loans up to Rs. 1 lakh.
Training
and Support: Applicants receive necessary training
and support for setting up their enterprises.
Implementation
and Monitoring :The
scheme is implemented through the District Industries Centres and banks.
The selection of beneficiaries is done by a Task Force Committee at the
district level, ensuring that the process is transparent and inclusive.
Continuous monitoring is done to ensure that the objectives of the scheme are
met effectively.
Achievements and Impact: Since its inception, Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana has helped millions of unemployed youth in setting up their own businesses, leading to significant socio-economic benefits. The scheme has not only generated employment but has also contributed to the growth of the micro and small enterprises sector in India.
Overall, the Pradhan
Mantri Rozgar Yojana has been a crucial step towards addressing unemployment
and promoting entrepreneurship among the youth and women in India.