Youth unlikely to benefit from job scheme in Kalahandi

The Pioneer, 22nd November, 2008
Bikash Khemka Bhawanipatna

Last date for receiving PMEGP applications not announced

Even as the Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana has been renamed as the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in 2008 with certain modifications, its effective implementation has become a question mark for the unemployed youth in Kalahandi district.As per PMEGP, loan amounts have been increased up to Rs 25 lakh, which would be provided through the offices of Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and District Industries Centre (DIC) of all districts.When the advertisement of PMEGP was published in Oriya newspapers, both unemployed and employed youth in the district started submitting their full-fledged application forms so as to carry on their business by availing loans with subsidies.However, though last date of submitting application forms was not mentioned elsewhere in the advertisement, DIC officials unofficially claimed November 20 as the last date for receiving forms, which put the applicants in a dilemma.Talking to The Pioneer, a DIC official said they have not received any circular about the last date of receiving application forms. The banks too have not received any circular in this regard so far, he added.Besides, candidates, who have submitted their forms by hand, were not provided any receipt from the DIC office. Sources said if such an irregularity would be allowed, nearly 150 candidates are expected to be benefited under the scheme in the district, leaving others in the lurch.