Bhubaneswar, Feb 12: The Odisha cabinet today approved launching of a new scheme—Swatantra Yuva Udyami (SWAYAM)—to facilitate self-employment among the youths in the state.
Under the scheme, the state government will provide interest free bank loan up to Rs 1 lakh to the unemployed youths in the age group of 18-35 years in both rural and urban areas in Odisha.
Chief Secretary PK Jena said the bank loans will be provided to the unemployed youths to start new business or expand their existing businesses.
However, the government has put a rider.
As per the decision, in the rural area, the applicant’s family must be covered under the KALIA or Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) schemes and the annual income of the family must not be above Rs 2 lakh.
The state government has planned to cover at least 1 lakh rural youths under the scheme in two years. Rs 448 crore has been earmarked for this purpose.
In the urban area, the applicant’s family must be covered under the BSKY scheme and its annual income must not cross Rs 3 lakh.
The cabinet has also approved Rs 656.73 crore Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan (EKAMRA) Scheme. The scheme is being implemented between 2020-21-2024-25.
The scheme is planned to revive and preserve the heritage value and grandeur of Lord Lingaraj Temple and its surrounding. The scheme will also strengthen the linkages between the area’s natural and built heritage.
