Port Blair, Dec 23: The Government of India had introduced a scheme called Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) w.e.f. 01.04.2008. The major objectives of the program to generate employment opportunities in rural and urban areas of the Islands through setting up of new self-employment ventures/projects/micro enterprises and to give them self-employment opportunities to the extent possible, at their place.
The purpose of the Scheme is for setting up of eligible viable activities under Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP). The Nature of credit facility of the scheme is Term Loan & Cash Credit facility.
To cover the area of Nancowry Group of Islands, a meeting of the Task Force Committee was held on 22nd December 2018 under Chairmanship of Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry. The committee recommended loan applications of 17 beneficiaries for obtaining financial assistance under PMEGP.
The committee scrutinized the applications based on their experience, technical qualifications, skills, aptitude, interest and entrepreneurship ability. The committee received and approved 17 applications, which consists of 1 women candidate and 16 male candidates. All the beneficiaries identified by the committee belongs to the Tribal Community.
Major activities taken up for self employment consists mainly of Fishing Boats, Commercial Passenger cum Cargo Vehicles in Service Sector & General Stores under Trading. The total approved project costs around 74 Lakhs, ranged from Rupees Two Lakh to Nine Lakh per project. This consists of around 25 Lakhs as Margin Money Subsidy.
Before convening the TFC meeting under PMEGP, a series of awareness cum motivational programs were organized throughout Nancowry Group of Islands at all villages/islands. The campaign was conducted by DIC officials along with the assistance of Assistant Commissioner Nancowry, Tribal Councils, Banks and Line Departments for dissemination of information about the schemes and program for self employment among the unemployed youths. During the deliberations, the entire village heads of the respective areas motivated and encouraged the youths to be benefited from the scheme specially designed and meant for them. The programs were held in village Japan Tikrey (Katchal Island); Village Vikas Nagar, Village Kanakana, Village Pilpillow (Kamorta Island), Village Champin, Village Balu Basti, Village Tapong, Village Althaheak (Champin Island), Teressa Island and Chowra Island between 12/12/2018 to 21/12/2018, as communicated in a press release by Assistant Commissioner & Chairman, TFC, PMEGP, Nancowry Group of Islands.
