Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 08 September 2025
The District Industries Centre (DIC), Department of Industries, has announced the continued implementation of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) across the Islands. DIC is responsible for the implementation of the scheme in municipal areas, Shaheed and Swaraj Dweep in South Andaman District, and Nancowrie Group of Islands in Nicobar District.
Launched in 2008, the PMEGP scheme aims to generate sustainable employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas by supporting the establishment of new self-employment ventures, projects, and micro-enterprises. It also seeks to empower traditional artisans, unemployed youth, and marginalised communities by providing them opportunities at their place of residence.
Under the scheme, applicants can avail bank-financed loans up to ₹50 lakh for manufacturing units and up to ₹25 lakh for service, trading, or business ventures, with a significant government subsidy component. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and for projects exceeding ₹10 lakh (manufacturing) or ₹5 lakh (services/trading/business), a minimum qualification of 8th standard pass is required.
The contribution and subsidy structure is as follows:
• General Category: 10% contribution with 15% subsidy in urban areas, and 10% contribution with 25% subsidy in rural areas.
• Special Category (SC/ST/OBC/Women/Minorities/Ex-Servicemen/PwD, etc.): 5% contribution with 25% subsidy in urban areas, and 5% contribution with 35% subsidy in rural areas.
Beneficiaries whose loans have been sanctioned need to undergo mandatory Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP). The training spans at least 5 days for projects up to ₹5 lakh, and 10 days for projects above ₹5 lakh. However, projects up to ₹2 lakh are exempted from mandatory EDP training.
Aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly youth, women, and members of marginalized groups—are encouraged to apply under the scheme. Applicants can approach the implementing agencies (DIC/KVIB) with necessary documents, including Aadhaar card, PAN card, local/rural certificate, OBC or special category certificate, passport-size photos, Aadhaar-linked phone number, and email ID. Applications can be submitted online at www.kviconline.gov.in.
The DIC and Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB) provide end-to-end assistance, from preparing project reports and submitting online applications to liaising with banks for loan sanction and subsidy disbursement.
For further details, applicants may visit the District Industries Centre or KVIB at Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, or contact 232601 / 233301.
