Prime Minister Employment Guarantee Program Kick Starts
Candid Govindas points out loopholes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 24 2013: A State level PMEGP exhibition was opened today at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda ground under the aegis of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), State office.

Speaking at the function as chief guest, Commerce and Industry Minister Govindas Konthoujam observed that the Prime Minister Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP) cannot be implemented even up to 50 per cent in Manipur.

He cited inability to select genuine entrepreneurs, undue influence by politicians during selection of beneficiaries, failure of banks to release full loan amounts and failure on the part of beneficiaries to re-pay loans in time as the major factors responsible for the failure of PMEGP in the State.

Saying that no efforts are being spared to implement PMEGP to its full potential in the State, Govindas highlighted the importance of PMEGP in view of the large number of educated unemployed people living in the State.

Govindas Konthoujam opening the PMEGP program

Only genuine entrepreneurs would be selected as beneficiaries of the scheme.

However, selection of 2500 beneficiaries against the guideline to select only 470 beneficiaries with a view to the election has put the Government under enormous pressure and it is unable to provide the loan amounts to all the selected beneficiaries.

He also appealed to all the loanees to re-pay loans in time and maintain good relationship with banks.

He also exhorted the youngsters to strive towards self-employment and self-sustenance rather than wait for Government jobs.

The opening function of the PMEGP exhibition sponsored by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises was attended by KVIC North East Regional Executive Deputy Director KK Gupta as president.

Commerce and Industries Director B John Tlangtinkhuma, Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary O Nabakishore and KVIB Manipur Vice Chairman S Achouba as guest of honour.

O Nabakishore said that 25 per cent of the loan amounts given under PMEGP are grants in urban areas and 35 per cent in rural areas.

The remaining amounts should be paid back.

The way the scheme is being implemented in the State is not satisfactory to either the Government, department, bank or beneficiaries.

Generally, banks are not interested in investing money in fake investors, Nobokishore said.

Around 60 stalls are opened at the exhibition.