Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana to be implemented in letter and spirit

New Delhi, Jul 16 (UNI) The Government today reiterated the need to implement Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) in letter and spirit and urged the banks to offer collateral-free loans to the unemployed youths of the country.

A review meeting on PMRY under the chairmanship of Dr Chandrapal, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises emphasised the need to enhance the target under the PMRY scheme as various other centrally-sponsored schemes are being implemented throughout the country.

The meeting was attended, among others, by the representatives of the concerned Departments of various states and Union Territories (UTs) along with nationalised banks.

Revised guidelines issued for the implementation of PMRY and suggestions/clarifications received from state governments in respect of different parameters of revised guidelines were discussed in the meeting.

Various parameters have been liberalised in the revised guidelines of PMRY. Besides, recovery of loan under PMRY, record maintenance in rural and urban areas, verification of units, utilisation certificates were also discussed.

Certain operational guidelines have also been included for effective implementation of revised PMRY. Some of the guidelines are: a) No collateral shall be insisted for PMRY loans upto Rs five lakhs.

b) Of the total target of each State/UT, women beneficiaries should constitute at least 30 per cent.

c) Assistance to SC/ST and Minority beneficiaries should be targeted in such a manner that they are benefited at least in proportion to their population in each District/State; and d) Preference may be given to develop clusters specialising in specific products at the time of selection of PMRY beneficiaries, etc.

Dr Chandrapal allayed the fears of the banks that the recovery of loan may be difficult as a committee consisting of the District Collector, bank manager etc, will select the entrepreneurs and the viability of the proposed industrial units.

UNI