Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a new scheme to provide financial assistance to small-scale enterprises and skill-based workers like cobblers, tailors, barbers, and vegetable vendors. The scheme, named ‘Mukhya Mantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojana’ (MMLDKY), aims to empower these entrepreneurs and boost the state’s economy. The state government has allocated Rs 40 crore for the scheme and has set a target to cover 75,000 people in the age group of 18-55 in the first phase.
According to the official statement of the state government, the MMLDKY scheme will offer guarantee-free loans up to Rs 50,000 to small-scale enterprises and skill-based workers who often face difficulties in accessing formal credit sources. The scheme will also provide a 50 percent interest subsidy on these loans, which will reduce the burden of repayment on the borrowers.
The statement said that the state government has prepared a comprehensive scheme to offer guarantee-free loans to small-scale enterprises to strengthen them financially. They will be provided easy loans up to Rs 50,000 with an adequate interest subsidy of 50 percent.
The statement further said that the scheme will cover various categories of small-scale enterprises and skill-based workers who are engaged in self-employment activities in rural and urban areas. These include cobblers, tailors, barbers, mobile repairing vendors, vegetable and fruit vendors, and other self-employed people who provide essential services to society.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that the aim of this scheme is to empower small entrepreneurs and boost the economy of the state. He said that the state government intends to provide vital support to people who often face barriers in accessing financial resources, which will also strengthen the state’s economy.
He also said that the scheme will help in creating employment opportunities and enhancing the income of these entrepreneurs. He said that the scheme will also encourage entrepreneurship among the youth and women of the state. He said that the scheme will be implemented through various banks and financial institutions in collaboration with the state government.
The Chief Minister appealed to the eligible people to avail the benefits of this scheme and contribute to the development of the state. He also urged the banks and financial institutions to cooperate with the state government in implementing this scheme effectively. He said that the state government will monitor the progress of this scheme regularly and ensure its transparency and accountability.
