Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday invoked entrepreneurs belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to work with full vigour and not get bogged down by difficulties.
He also directed the industries department to develop a system to address problems faced by Dalit and tribal entrepreneurs. "You all should work, and work with full vigour. If you face any problem, do not worry. I'm asking the industries department to bring a proposal to develop a system to solve problems faced by SC and ST entrepreneurs," he said.
The chief minister was speaking in Patna after kicking off the Mukhyamantri Anusuchit Jati and Anusuchit Janjati Udyami Yojana, a unique scheme to promote entrepreneurs belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) by providing financial aid and handholding facilities to them.
Industries minister Jai Kumar Singh, building construction minister Maheshwar Hazari, transport minister Santosh Kumar Nirala, art, culture and youth minister Krishna Kumar Rishi, SC and ST welfare minister Ramesh Rishideo, MLA Shyam Rajak and MLCs Ashok Choudhary and Dilip Chaudhary, development commissioner Shashi Shekhar Sharma and industries department principal secretary S. Siddharth were present.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will get up to Rs 10 lakh to set up various enterprises. The state government will provide 50 per cent of the amount as grant, and the rest as interest-free loan to be returned in 84 instalments.
Congratulating the industries department for implementing the scheme within two months of its conceptualisation, the chief minister pointed out that 3,000 people applied within the short period and 500 were chosen for training.
"So far, 135 persons have been trained. Training for another 150 will start soon," Nitish said. "I'm happy that many of those chosen for training have done MSc, BTech, BSc, BA or ITI though the requirement was for Intermediate pass."
The chief minister said a wide range of enterprises like computer hardware, sanitary napkin, event management, tent houses, flour mill, readymade garments, steel and wooden furniture manufacturing, tourist taxis and more are being chosen by SC-ST youth.
"Those selected for training will provide employment to others too. This will have a positive impact on other youths too. Their success will inspire others," Nitish said.
