Khadi village industries in urban areas too: Minister

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Aug 16 (UNI) Khadi village industries, which were hitherto restricted to rural areas, could now be started in urban areas also under the latest policy decision taken by the government, Small Scale Industries Minister Gollapalli Suryarao said.

Addressing the media here last night, he said the total cost of such units could be up to Rs 25 lakh.

The subsidy for entrepreneurs would be 25 per cent for those belonging to SC, ST, BC and minorities and 15 per cent in the case of non-reserved and OC categories.

The Minister claimed such scheme had never been evolved during the last 62 years and gave credit to Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Of a total 40 khadi village industries that received awards in the country last year, seven of them were from Andhra Pradesh.

Under the employment generation scheme, SC/STs would get credit facility for starting units, costing up to Rs five crore, under 'Pavala Vaddee' Scheme.

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