Youth entrepreneurship has been promoted in UP by the CM-YUVA scheme, in which interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh are being given. ODOP has given new life to traditional industries like Shajar. The government aims to benefit 1.70 lakh youth in 2025-26.
Lucknow. Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is bringing a new revolution of micro and traditional industries in the state by connecting the youth with skills, capital and markets. Under the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Development Campaign (CM-YUVA), a target has been set to provide benefits to 1.70 lakh youth in the year 2025-26. The government’s effort is to establish more than 1 lakh new micro enterprises every year. It aims to connect youth, women and traditional handicrafts into a shared economic development model. This comprehensive policy has opened up new opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
Youth are getting interest-free loan from CM Yuva Yojana
CM Yuva Yojana provides interest-free and unsecured loans up to Rs 5 lakh to youth aged 21 to 40 years for industry and service sector projects. Margin money of 10% on the project cost is being given as grant. Youth who have passed 8th and have skill training from a recognized institution are eligible for this scheme. After training under this scheme, thousands of youth are becoming entrepreneurs themselves and are also providing employment to other youth and women. This has increased industry based activities in both rural and urban areas, thereby strengthening the economy of the state.
Traditional arts get new life through ODOP
Yogi government’s ODOP (One District One Product) scheme has given a new identity to traditional handicrafts and handicrafts. Before 2017, these industries were on the verge of extinction, but ODOP brought them back to life. The sugar industry of the state is a prime example of this. This precious Shajar stone found in the sand of Ken River was earlier the means of livelihood of only a few families. The government marketed it by linking it with ODOP and got it GI tag. The result was that the number of families associated with the shajar industry has increased rapidly.
Revival of extinct industries with government support
Programs like Vishwakarma Shram Samman and toolkit distribution have increased the income of artisans by providing them skill training and equipment. Through ODOP, women’s self-help groups, artisans and youth across the state have got new markets, training and digital platforms. Due to this, thousands of women got self-employment and they are able to sell their products in the country and abroad.
Women’s self-reliance and traditional craftsmanship become the new identity of the state
This combined model of women self-reliance, traditional art and modern marketing is becoming the new economic identity of Uttar Pradesh today. Along with the revival of traditional industries, self-employment opportunities for youth and women are continuously increasing.