By P.P. Yadav
Gonda: The district administration and the Department of Industries are actively implementing a range of schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, self-employment and skill development among young people and traditional artisans in Gonda, said Babu Ram, Deputy Commissioner, Industries, Gonda.
Under the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Development Campaign (CM Yuva Scheme), youth aged 21 to 40 years who have passed Class 8 are being supported in setting up their own enterprises. The scheme provides interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh for four years, along with a 10 per cent one-time grant, without requiring collateral. For the financial year 2026-27, Gonda has been allocated a target of 2,300 beneficiaries. Against this, 943 applications have been forwarded to various bank branches, with 647 applications approved and 679 applications disbursed. The initiative has so far generated approximately 2,203 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the district.
The Chief Minister Youth Self-Employment Scheme is another major initiative targeting educated young entrepreneurs. Youth aged 18 to 40 years who have passed Class 10 can avail loans of up to ₹25 lakh for manufacturing units and ₹10 lakh for service-sector enterprises. The state government provides a one-time subsidy equivalent to 25 per cent of the project cost.
Gonda has received a physical target of 142 beneficiaries and a financial target of ₹275.75 lakh under the scheme for 2026-27. So far, 118 applications involving margin money of ₹369.43 lakh have been forwarded to banks. Of these, 45 applications involving ₹125.45 lakh have been sanctioned, while 32 applications involving ₹93.02 lakh have been disbursed. The scheme has contributed to around 400 direct and indirect jobs during the current financial year.
Under the One District One Product (ODOP) Financing Scheme, pulses, maize and food processing have been identified as key products in Gonda. The scheme facilitates bank financing for entrepreneurs engaged in these activities. Against a target of 65 beneficiaries and ₹260 lakh for 2026-27, 36 applications involving ₹346.08 lakh have been forwarded to banks. Thirteen applications involving ₹157.18 lakh have been sanctioned and nine applications involving ₹142.68 lakh have been disbursed. The initiative has generated around 618 direct and indirect employment opportunities so far.
The ODOP Training and Toolkit Scheme is also being implemented to strengthen the skills of artisans and entrepreneurs associated with pulses, maize and food processing. Selected beneficiaries receive 10 days of training followed by free toolkits. Against the annual target of 400 beneficiaries, the selection process has already been completed, and training programmes are expected to begin shortly.
Babu Ram said the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Scheme is aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of traditional artisans such as carpenters, tailors, barbers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, potters, confectioners, cobblers and washermen. Beneficiaries receive six days of free skill training and modern toolkits. Against a target of 1,025 beneficiaries, 725 have been selected through interviews. Training for potters and tailoring trades has already commenced.
Meanwhile, the One District One Cuisine (ODOC) Scheme focuses on value addition, quality improvement and enhanced market competitiveness of local specialities. In Gonda, curd and kachori have been identified as distinctive products. Against a target of 12 beneficiaries and ₹36 lakh for 2026-27, four applications involving ₹15.50 lakh in margin money have been forwarded to banks.
Babu Ram said these initiatives are helping create a stronger ecosystem for entrepreneurship, traditional skills and local enterprise, while opening new avenues of employment and income generation for the people of Gonda.
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