The Uttar Pradesh government has reported that its self-employment initiatives are empowering rural youth to launch small enterprises, thereby creating local employment opportunities. Officials highlighted the case of Ram Lakhan, a beneficiary of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), as a notable success story.
Ram Lakhan's Dairy Enterprise
Ram Lakhan, a resident of Deoria village in Lakhimpur Kheri district, established a dairy business after learning about the PMEGP scheme through the district industries centre. In 2024, he applied for assistance and secured a loan of Rs 10 lakh.
Using these funds, Lakhan set up a dairy unit that has expanded steadily over the past two years. The enterprise now produces between five and eight quintals of milk daily, supplying local markets in the area. The business currently provides employment to three families, including his own.
Lakhan stated, “The business has become the primary source of livelihood for my family. Our profits range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 per month.”
Impact of PMEGP in Rural Uttar Pradesh
The PMEGP scheme, administered by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and state-level implementing agencies, aims to generate sustainable employment by supporting micro-enterprises in rural and urban areas. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme has been particularly effective in sectors like dairy, food processing, and handicrafts.
Government officials emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for curbing migration to cities and fostering economic self-reliance among rural youth. They plan to expand awareness campaigns to ensure more beneficiaries can access the scheme.
The success of Ram Lakhan’s dairy unit serves as a model for other aspiring entrepreneurs in the region. With continued support from the government, more rural youth are expected to establish small businesses, contributing to the state’s economic growth and local employment generation.
