"Training in Handicrafts" Component of the "Development Of Handicrafts" Scheme 2026

The Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP) is a new initiative by the Government of Maharashtra to Read More... create jobs by helping individuals set up micro and small businesses in both rural and urban areas of the state. Read less

Details

Are you an unemployed youth in Maharashtra looking to start your own business? The Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP) might be just what you need. This scheme aims to boost employment by supporting the establishment of new micro and small enterprises across the state.

What Is This Scheme?

The Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy scheme introduced by the Government of Maharashtra. It's designed to provide financial assistance and encouragement to individuals who wish to start their own manufacturing or service-based businesses. The scheme is overseen by the Directorate of Industries (DOI) and implemented through District Industries Centers (DICs), the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIB), and various banks.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This program is primarily for unemployed youth in Maharashtra who are eager to become entrepreneurs. It targets individuals looking to set up new ventures, whether in manufacturing, service, agro-based industries, or even e-vehicle services. Both men and women are eligible to apply.

Why This Scheme Is Important

CMEGP plays a vital role in driving economic growth and reducing unemployment. By providing financial support and encouraging entrepreneurship, it helps create sustainable livelihood opportunities, especially for young people. The scheme promotes the development of micro and small enterprises, which are the backbone of India's economy.

Objective

The Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP) is a new initiative by the Government of Maharashtra to create jobs by helping individuals set up micro and small businesses in both rural and urban areas of the state.

Benefits

Trainees will receive a stipend of ₹1,500 per month.

Master craftspersons will be compensated with an honorarium of ₹300 per trainee (up to ₹3,000 per month), and ₹150 per trainee per month for raw material wastage (up to ₹1,500 per month).

The Training commences in December and is for a period of 6 months.Crafts PracticedSoapstone carving, Pith Craft, Tapestry, Wood carving, Bronze Icon, Serpentine stone carving, Terracotta, Tanjore Painting, Leather goods, Crochet, Paper Machine, Hand Printed Textile, Shell items, Palm Leaf articles, Embroidery and appliqué works, Mat Weaving, Batik Printing, Pottery/Clay toys/Ceramic, Miniature painting & printing, Cloth & Stuffed dolls, Decorative wax candles, Hand knitted Hammacks, Cane & Bamboo, Semi-precious stones and jewellery, Glazed art pottery, Dry flowers, Lampshade - Jute and paper, Wire craft, Fibre craft.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old. For special categories (including SC/ST/Women/Ex-servicemen/Differently abled), the age limit is relaxed by 5 years.
Occupation: The applicant must be an unemployed youth willing to establish a new venture.
Income: There is no annual income criteria for the applicant or their family/parents/guardian.
Gender: Both male and female applicants are eligible.
Marital Status: The scheme is open to all applicants, regardless of their marital status.
Educational Qualification: A minimum of 7th standard pass is required for projects up to Rs. 10 lakh. For projects above Rs. 10 lakh (specifically Rs. 25 lakh and above in the original source), a minimum of 10th standard pass is necessary.

How To Apply

Aspiring entrepreneurs need to submit their application and project proposal online through the official CMEGP website.
The website for application is: https://maha-cmegp.gov.in/homepage.
Applications will be processed and monitored by the Directorate of Industries (DOI) and implemented through District Industries Centers (DICs) and the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIB), along with partner banks.

Documents Required

Passport size photograph
Aadhaar Card
Domicile Certificate
Educational Qualification Certificate(s)
Undertaking Form
Project Profile/Report
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Special Category Certificate (if applicable)
PAN Card
Population Certificate (only for rural applicants)
Clearance/Approved Certificate from Bank (required if working capital is zero for a project cost exceeding Rs. 5 lakh)

FAQ’s

Can I set up my business unit in an urban area under this scheme?

Yes, you can establish your unit in an urban area. The scheme is implemented through specific agencies that handle urban applications.

What is the maximum amount I can get for my project under CMEGP?

For manufacturing projects, the maximum admissible cost is Rs. 50 lakhs. For service, agro-based, e-vehicle, and similar ventures, the limit is Rs. 20 lakhs.

Who is considered a beneficiary for this program?

Individual entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are eligible to be beneficiaries under the CMEGP scheme.

What is the 'family' definition for this scheme?

For the purpose of this scheme, 'family' is defined as the applicant themselves and their spouse.

What is the minimum age to apply for the Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply. The upper age limit is 45 years, with a relaxation of 5 years for individuals belonging to special categories.

Are there any specific conditions that a project must meet?

Yes, your project must align with the criteria for rural areas if it's a rural project, include your own contribution, not be on the negative list of industries, and importantly, the unit must be a new establishment.

Which banks are involved in providing financial support through CMEGP?

The scheme is supported by all Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Co-operative Banks, and Private Scheduled Commercial Banks that are regulated by the RBI and approved by the State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC).

How long is the government subsidy locked in?

The subsidy provided by the government under this scheme has a lock-in period of 3 years.

Where do I need to submit my application for the CMEGP scheme?

You can easily submit your application and project proposal online by visiting the official CMEGP website at https://maha-cmegp.gov.in/homepage.