Assam launches unique employment generation mission

Guwahati, Aug 28 (UNI) The Assam government today launched its ambitious 'Employment Generation Mission', with a target to develop entrepreneurial skills to help solve the unemployment problem in the state.

Six implementing agencies, three governmental groups and three non-governmental, were handed over cheques by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as part of the first phase of the mission.

The mission is the brainchild of economic and financial advisor to Chief Minister, Jayanta Madhab and was mulled by the government in 2004 in its search for ways for employment generation in the state.

It is now a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with the Chief Minister heading the governing body.

Experts from various fields as well as representatives from the state government, Central government and banking and non-banking institutions form the rest of the governing body.

In the approach paper submitted by Dr Madhab, it is planned to generate employment opportunities for about 1.67 lakh people with a total cost of Rs 669 crore, out of which the Mission will bear the cost to the extent of Rs 320 crore.

In all the projects, there is component 25 per cent margin money from the Mission, with the balance 75 per cent being the banks, financial institutions or beneficiary contribution.

There are about 20 lakh unemployed people, both registered and unregistered, in the state, with the rate rising at an alarming pace.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gogoi said, ''The Mission will try to develop entrepreneurs among the people. Our first generation entrepreneurs are doing wonderfully and we want to encourage more people to generate their own employment.'' Highlighting that globalisation had brought in increased skills and competitions, he added that it has also increased employment opportunities.

''The government is concentrating in helping upgrade skills to grab these opportunities,'' the Chief Minister added.

Earlier, elaborating on the main objectives of the Mission, Dr Madhab said its thrust would be in creating mini and micro entrepreneurs and skill upgradation, from that of a security guard to the highest level software engineer.

Underscoring the Mission's uniqueness as compared to other employment generation missions by the Centre, he said, ''The Centre's missions are universal across the country. But this Mission is tailor made for the state and will be adapted to the demands of the local people.'' On the first phase beneficiaries, Dr Madhab said though about 9,000 would be benefited directly, others would also get indirect employment. We will basically provide for the training.

The six beneficiaries included SIRD, ALPCO, Rashritya Gramin Vikas Nidhi, Prochesta, AMTRON and ASOMI.

UNI