Skill development programmes should also be conducted from time to time in various development blocks so that the youth may choose self employment according to their capability and talent. The Tehri District Magistrate Sonika said this while chairing a meet to review the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and integrated handicraft loan scheme here on Thursday.
Regarding the eligible beneficiaries who have applied online for loan under the scheme, she said that the industry department and bankers should jointly process the applications on priority basis.
Chairing the meeting, the District Magistrate directed the General Manager of industry to set up centres for sale of cottage industry and handicrafts products at Devprayag, Ghansali and other places. It was stated in the meeting that under the PMEGP, along with loan facility for production and service, 35 per cent grant facility is also provided in mountainous regions. So, if an eligible beneficiary takes Rs 10 lakh loan then after availing of the grant facility, he or she will have to repay Rs 6.50 lakh at low interest rates to the bank. The district magistrate said that those in the cottage industry should be listed and along with encouragement, facility should also be ensured to sell their products at adequate price. The general manager of industry informed that in the financial year 2017-18, a total of 309 applications had been received under the scheme. Of these, 306 were found to be correct with 258 of the same being sent to banks for loan. Of these, 100 beneficiaries had received loan along with grants amounting to Rs 1.70 crore in total. Departmental officials concerned and public representatives were also among those present in the meeting.