Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy programme aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth.
Any individual above 18 years of age is eligible.
For setting up of projects costing above Rs.10 lakh in the manufacturing sector and above Rs. 5 lakh in the business /service sector, the beneficiaries should possess at least VIII standard pass educational qualification.
General category beneficiaries can avail of margin money subsidy of 25 % of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas.
For beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as scheduled caste/scheduled tribe/OBC /minorities/women, ex-serviceman, physically handicapped, NER, Hill and Border areas etc. the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas.
The Scheme was launched during 2008-09. A total of 4.23 lakh micro enterprises have been assisted with a margin money subsidy of Rs 8695.27 crore providing employment to an estimated 35.48 lakh persons since 2008-09 till 2016-17 across the country including the State of Maharashtra.