SHIMLA- Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan TODAY announced a target of establishing 475 units under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for 2023-24.
This announcement came during the 239th meeting of the Khadi and Village Industries Board here today.
During the meeting, Chauhan directed the preparation and submission of a comprehensive proposal for Khadi Plazas in Shimla and Mandi districts.
These plazas aim to serve as a source of income generation for rural artisans and entrepreneurs while providing them with marketing facilities. The board will seek consultancy from expert agencies to ensure the success of these initiatives, he said.
The Khadi Board in Himachal Pradesh has been instrumental in supporting rural sheep rearers and horticulturists in tribal areas through Khadi centers, offering services such as wool spinning and Khumani seed oil pressing.
This has been highly beneficial to the artisans, weavers, and gardeners associated with this sector.
Chauhan commended the Khadi and Village Industries Board for surpassing its targets for 2022-23 under the PMEGP.
The board disbursed a subsidy of Rs. 14.34 crore to 383 units in the state, exceeding the target set by the Commission by 118 percent.
These units, with a project cost of Rs. 57.36 crore, generated 3,064 employment opportunities, he said.
Looking ahead, the Industries Minister expressed confidence in achieving the targets for the year 2023-24. As of May, 16 units have already been established, receiving a subsidy of Rs. 73.96 lakh and creating 128 employment opportunities.