Good news for youth who wish to acquire self employment skills at no cost. The A.P State Minorities Finance Corporation (APSMFC) has proposed to equip minority youth in the age group of 18 to 35 years with skills in various trades so that they can set up their own businesses.
The proposal, which will be implemented during the next financial year, is under the active consideration of the government. Unlike the Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu scheme, the new project will not be linked to job placement. Youth will be trained in the trade of their choice, and they will be free to set up their own businesses. This is for the first time that the Corporation is making a departure from its practice of offering scholarships and fee reimbursement for the socio-economic and educational development of minorities.
“We plan to train about 10,000 to 12,000 youth all over the State. The modalities and the budget required for the scheme are being worked out,” said M.A. Waheed, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, APSMFC.
11 trades identified
The Corporation has identified as many as 11 trades. They include automobile mechanics, driving, electronics, airconditioner and refrigeration equipment repair, cell phone repair, electrical work, carpentry, mineral water processing and entrepreneurship. There are also trades such as fashion design, beautician and tailoring, which girls can opt for.
The placement-linked Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu scheme is being implemented in 12 districts where minority population is substantial. But the proposed self-employment scheme will be in operation across the State – both in RYK and non-RYK districts. Though the authorities have not specified any educational criteria for availing the scheme, only those whose parents’ annual income is below one lakh are eligible for it.
A large number of minority youth are expected to benefit from the scheme. The population of minorities in the State is 82,73,654. Of this Muslims account for 69,86,856, Christians 11,81,917, Sikhs 30,998, Buddhist 32,037 and Jains 41,846.
At present, the Corporation offers subsidy for schemes for minorities to set up self-employment units, but no training is imparted. In the proposed scheme, besides offering training, the Corporation intends to grant subsidy and arrange bank loans as well.
