New jobs for women under govt schemes fell in 2008-09

The government today said creation of jobs for women under the state-sponsored schemes fell to 72,701 in 2008-09 from 3,62,918 in 2007-08.

In a written reply to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Dinsha Patel said, a total of 72,701 women were employed under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme during 2008-09.

In 2007-08, 3,62,918 women were provided jobs through two government sponsored schemes -- Rural Employment Generation Programme and Prime Minister's Rojgar Yojana.

The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme has been formulated by merging PM Rojgar Yojana and Rural Employment Generation Programme, the minister said.

"The government is implementing Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana schemes for generating employment opportunities, including for women, by setting up new enterprises," Patel said.

Under PMEGP, a higher level of subsidy is provided for setting up of women-owned enterprises, he added.

Replying to a separate query, the minister said an action plan has been prepared by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission to popularise khadi products globally.

Under the plan, government will provide incentives for participation in international exhibitions, besides giving five per cent export incentive on Free on Board value of the items exported directly by the eligible units.