The Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board has decided to provide the easy loans worth Rs.140 crore to the youth of Punjab to make them self-reliant under Prime Minister Self-employment Generation Scheme. Under this scheme, government will provide Rs.35.06 crore as subsidy to the beneficiaries for setting up of their own ventures. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industries and Commerce Minister, Punjab disclosed this while presiding over the high level meeting of the officers of Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board, here today.He informed that the government to set up North India’s first Multi-purpose Skill Training Center at Mohali to equip the youth with the latest technology and knowledge of entrepreneurship. He said that this state-of-the-art skill training center, on 14,500 square yard area, would be established in collaboration with Central Khadi & Gram Udyog Commission and Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board. He said that this multi specialized center would impart the training to the youth of northern states to start their own endeavors.
Industries Minister reiterated that state government is committed to economically strengthen the small farmers and farm labourers. He said that under this scheme training will be imparted to these weaker sections to start their own enterprises like; adopting bee farming by investing less and earning more. He said that easy loans would be provided by the banks to the pass out trainees. He said that subsidy from 15 to 35 per cent would also be given.Mr. Mittal further said that the Punjab Government has decided to develop 25 villages under ‘Smart Khadi Village Scheme’ in collaboration with Central Khadi and Gram Udyog Commission. He categorically said that whereas in other states, only 5 villages are adopted under this scheme, the Punjab is the only state, where 25 villages are being developed under this scheme.
Divulging further, he said that to bring more transparency, the Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board has decided to receive the loan applications online, wherein District In charges have entrusted the responsibility to assist the applicants by personally contacting the applicants within two days from submission of the online application. Board has also set up helpline number 0172-2705177 for complaints, suggestions and information. This helpline would work during official hours and all complaints would be disposed off in time bound manner besides keeping all the records of complaints and suggestions.Mr. Mittal said that the Punjab Government has taken this initiative to stop migration from villages to cities by providing job and entrepreneur opportunities in the rural areas. The Minister directed the officers to address genuine demands raised by Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal, Chairman, Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board. He also announced to fill the vacant posts in the Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board.