Lucknow: In a significant step towards promoting rural entrepreneurship and creating self-employment opportunities, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has approved financial assistance of ₹10 crore for the implementation of the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) during the financial year 2026-27.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the rural economy by encouraging entrepreneurship among rural youth, women, and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The programme seeks to support the establishment and growth of small enterprises in villages, generating sustainable livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level.
Speaking about the initiative, Maurya said the state government is committed to transforming villages into self-reliant economic units and empowering rural communities through entrepreneurship-driven development. He noted that SVEP would play a crucial role in creating local employment opportunities and fostering economic independence among rural populations.
“The government remains dedicated to the welfare of villages, farmers, the poor, and women. Through the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Self-Help Groups are being connected with income-generating activities to promote financial self-sufficiency and inclusive growth,” he said.
The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme is a key component of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). The programme provides aspiring rural entrepreneurs with access to capital, training, technical assistance, mentoring, and business guidance, enabling them to establish and successfully manage enterprises in their communities.
Under the financial allocation for 2026-27, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has sanctioned ₹6 crore as the central share, while the Uttar Pradesh government will contribute ₹4 crore as the state share. Together, the programme will receive a total funding support of ₹10 crore.
Officials believe the initiative will encourage the creation of new rural enterprises, expand self-employment opportunities for young people, and enhance the economic participation of women and Self-Help Groups. By promoting entrepreneurship at the village level, the programme is expected to contribute significantly to rural economic growth and the vision of building self-reliant villages across Uttar Pradesh.
The government views SVEP as an important instrument for accelerating inclusive development, strengthening rural livelihoods, and creating a vibrant ecosystem of grassroots entrepreneurs capable of driving long-term economic transformation in the state.
