Punjab takes steps for rural employment generation to rehabilitate drug abusers and indebted farmers

The state has earmarked Rs 35 cr as a subsidy to the beneficiaries for setting up their own ventures

Waking up to rampant drug abuse in the state, Punjab Government has decided to engage the rural youth in the local crafts by extending training and financial assistance in the hinterland of Punjab.The Punjab Khadi and Gram Udyog Board has decided to provide easy loans worth Rs 140 cr under Prime Minister Self-Employment Generation Scheme.

The state has earmarked Rs 35.06 cr as a subsidy to the beneficiaries for setting up their own ventures.The Industry and Commerce Minister of Punjab, Madan Mohan Mittal informed that 25 villages in the states would be developed under 'Smart Khadi Village Scheme' to facilitate the local artisans with all kind of support for making and marketing their products.

"The problem of drug abuse in Punjab has been exaggerated but we are making efforts to encourage our youth at the grassroots to indulge into gainful activities by this new scheme", said Mittal. As different studies conducted over last few years show the growing rate of suicides among farmers and farm labourers in Punjab due to agriculture indebtedness, the government has decided to set up Multi-Purpose Skill Training Centre in Mohali, where the family members of the farmers who committed suicides would be offered training technology and entrepreneurship. Easy loans would be provided to pass-out trainees.

He added that a subsidy of 15%-35% has been proposed for the beneficiaries. The state-of the-art skill and training Centre would be set up in collaboration with Central Khadi and Gram Udyog Commission. This would first of its kind in north India and all states in north would benefit from this.