A government official reported that 21,640 units, more than in any other state or union territory, have been constructed in J&K as part of the Prime Minister’s Work Generation Programme (PMEGP), providing employment for 1.73 lakh people. Total capital used to establish these entities was Rs. 2,101 crores. According to him, a total of Rs 467 crore in margin money has been distributed, which is more than all other states and UTs combined.
PMEGP awards are being given out as part of an initiative by the Union Ministry of MSME to recognize and reward successful entrepreneurs’ innovation and excellence. Online nominations from successful business people have been requested in this regard.
According to a spokeswoman, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) helped J&K achieve such widespread self-employment as part of its effort to make the state self-sufficient and competitive with other states in terms of growth.
In J&K, the majority of PMEGP units have been established in militancy-prone areas including Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Doda.
Of the 21,640 PMEGP units in J&K, 16,807 (or 78%) are in the service industry, which includes businesses like beauty salons, boutiques, embroideries, mobile/computer repair shops, dining establishments, etc. In the category of rural engineering and biotechnology, which includes businesses producing steel furniture and other steel products, as well as 1,933 units (9%) that produce vermicompost and biofertilizers and make artificial jewellery. Additionally, 1,770 units (8%) are related to the food and agriculture processing sector.
A recipient named Nardeep Singh claimed that after learning about the PMEGP at the KVIC in Udhampur, he went there and sought for a loan of Rs 24.96 lakh to make hydraulic equipment. He currently employs 25 young people in his community.
Since 2008–2009, the MSME ministry has been implementing the PM’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the nodal agency at the national level for creating microbusinesses in the non-farm sector in order to create employment opportunities in the nation.
1,933 units fall within rural engineering and biotechnology, followed by 16,807 units relating to the service sector, such as salons.