CHANDIGARH: A state-level workshop to review the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in Punjab was held at Chandigarh on behalf of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Government of India, and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Punjab, Chandigarh. The workshop was chaired by Smt. Surbhi Malik, IAS, Director of Industries and Commerce, Government of Punjab.
Senior officers from the Directorate of Industries, KVIC, District Industries Centres (DICs), Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board (PBKVIB), Lead Bank, RCED, and major commercial, private and corporative Bank and successful entrepreneur participated in the workshop to assess the progress of the scheme in the state.
In her inaugural address, Smt. Surbhi Malik appreciated the efforts of the implementing agencies and banks for achieving 124.25% of the target for the release of margin money in Punjab. However, she expressed concern over the state lagging behind in achieving the target for the number of projects financed under the scheme. She urged all participating officers to ensure that all sanctioned cases are disbursed and margin money is claimed during March 2025.
Dr. Varinder Singh, Director, KVIC, GOI, informed that adequate margin money is available with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, particularly for SC beneficiaries. He advised the implementing agencies and banks to immediately claim the margin money for all sanctioned cases under this category.
Harshpal Kaur, Member Secretary, Punjab KVIB, and Deputy Director, Department of Industries, emphasized the need for clearing all pending cases with banks and implementing agencies within 15 days to ensure that Punjab meets its targets under the scheme. The workshop served as a crucial platform for reviewing the scheme’s progress and strategizing
the way forward to boost entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities in Punjab.