Government-run self-employment schemes could prove a boon for the youth in state if the department concerned motivates and educates them in reaping the benefit of such schemes.
The self-employment scheme brought good fortune to Pawan Kumar of Mohal in Kullu district, who struggled hard to get a job in the government as well as private sectors.
Talking to the HT, Kumar recalled his initial days of struggle, when he was hunting for jobs. Finally he decided to set up his own business at Mohal and started preparing plates for marriage functions, which received a great response.
He said: “I started my business of manufacturing plates in 2007 with a manual machine at Mohal, but as time passed, its demand increased in the market. Therefore, I decided to expand my business which required more investment to install modern machines to increase production.”
He thanked the industry department, which motivated him to establish a small unit for production of plates.
He took a loan of Rs 10 lakh from a bank. The industry department provided him a subsidy of 15% and he installed modern machines at his unit, which not only increased production but enhanced his economy as well.
At present, he is earns between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 a month with his small unit, where he is accompanied by five more people.
{{/usCountry}}At present, he is earns between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 a month with his small unit, where he is accompanied by five more people.
{{/usCountry}}Ishan, a local resident who works at the unit, said, they produce nearly 15,000 plates a day, which costs between Rs 50 and Rs 120 per 100 plates.
General manager of the industry department, Kullu, Chaman Lal said: “Kumar has set an example for the youth to earn money with the help of government-run schemes for the welfare of the youth, who otherwise wander here and there in search of jobs.”
He said: “The department has been running several schemes for the welfare of the common people. It provides subsidy as well as debt on lowest interest to establish their own small industrial units, which not only enhance their earnings, but also provides employment to other people.”