“Madhya Pradesh launches a self-employment scheme targeting 1 lakh youth, offering financial aid, skill training, and entrepreneurial support. Aimed at fostering economic independence, the initiative includes schemes like PM MUDRA Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, with a focus on rural and urban job creation.”
Madhya Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Self-Employment Plan for Youth
The Madhya Pradesh government has rolled out a transformative self-employment scheme aimed at empowering 1 lakh youth across the state. This initiative, designed to boost economic independence, focuses on providing financial assistance, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities to young people in both rural and urban areas. The program aligns with national efforts to create sustainable job opportunities and reduce unemployment among the youth.
A key component of the scheme is its integration with existing national programs like the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), which offers collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 lakh to aspiring entrepreneurs. The loans are categorized into Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun, catering to businesses at different stages of growth. This financial support is expected to enable young entrepreneurs in Madhya Pradesh to establish micro-enterprises, particularly in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and services.
Additionally, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is being leveraged to support youth from traditional artisan communities, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, and tailors. The scheme provides free training, modern toolkits worth Rs 15,000, a daily stipend during training, and collateral-free loans up to Rs 2 lakh. This initiative is particularly significant in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh, where artisanal skills are prevalent but often lack modern market access.
The state government has also introduced the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” scheme, specifically targeting women’s self-help groups. Under this program, over 30,000 women will plant 30 lakh fruit-bearing trees on private land through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also provides a steady income source for participants, contributing to rural economic growth.
To ensure the success of these schemes, the Madhya Pradesh government is focusing on skill development. Training programs are being rolled out to equip youth with market-relevant skills, particularly in emerging sectors like technology, agribusiness, and handicrafts. The state is collaborating with institutions like the Union Bank’s Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) to offer free courses in fields such as handloom weaving and jute bag making, targeting women aged 18-45.
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of Rs 99,446 crore, also complements these efforts. While the ELI Scheme primarily focuses on job creation in the organized sector, its benefits extend to Madhya Pradesh’s youth through incentives for first-time employees and employers. New employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh can receive up to Rs 15,000 in two instalments, while employers hiring additional workers are eligible for incentives of up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years.
Urban youth are not left out, with the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) offering loans up to Rs 50,000 to street vendors. This scheme, which supports digital transactions and timely repayments, is expected to bolster self-employment in cities like Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior. The state government is also exploring partnerships with local industries to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring that youth have access to mentorship and market linkages.
The scheme’s implementation is being closely monitored to ensure transparency and effectiveness. Payments to beneficiaries will be made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) using Aadhaar-linked accounts, ensuring seamless delivery of funds. The government aims to create a sustainable model that not only provides immediate financial relief but also fosters long-term self-reliance among Madhya Pradesh’s youth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and publicly available information from sources like The Hindu, Times of India, and Moneycontrol. The data is accurate as of July 4, 2025, and readers are advised to verify details with official government portals for the latest updates.