New Example of Self-Reliance: Tulemdri's Dreams Take Flight with PMEGP Scheme
Narayanpur: 4 people get employment from Mini Rice Mill Raipur, The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) has become a major means for unemployed youth and traditional artisans of the country to start their own business, under which loans up to Rs 50 lakh in the manufacturing sector and Rs 20 lakh in the service sector are provided.
Mrs. Tulemdri Thakur of village Guriya in Narayanpur district has presented a living example of how strong determination, hard work, and proper guidance of government schemes can change the life of an ordinary woman and make her an entrepreneur. With the help of the 'Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program' (PMEGP), she has not only established a mini rice mill but has also become self-reliant and provided employment to four other local people along with herself.
*Journey of Self-Employment with Limited Resources*
Tulemdri Thakur of village Guriya in Narayanpur district had been assisting her husband Shri Gajendra Thakur in agricultural work for years to support her family. Due to limited income, providing higher education for two children and fulfilling family responsibilities was a major crisis. To overcome this challenge, she decided to start her own business.
With the advice and guidance of the officials of the District Trade and Industry Centre, Narayanpur, she applied under the PMEGP scheme. The Union Bank of India (Narayanpur branch) approved her project worth Rs 5 lakh. This included her own contribution of Rs 50,000 and a bank loan of Rs 4.50 lakh.
*Establishment of "Messrs Thakur Mini Rice Mill" and Modern Facilities*
After receiving financial assistance, Tulemdri started Messrs Thakur Mini Rice Mill in her village. This unit is equipped with a solar polisher and a modern flour mill. Today, this mill has become a major and reliable center for paddy hulling, rice polishing, and wheat grinding for farmers from dozens of surrounding villages.
*Multifaceted Model of Success*
The operation of the rice mill has provided direct employment to 4 people in the area. The 'Konda' (bran) generated during paddy processing is sold to the oil manufacturing industry, and the 'Bhusa' (husk) is sold for brick manufacturing. The additional income generated from this efficiently manages the mill's operating expenses. Currently, Tulemdri is earning a net profit of approximately Rs 2.40 lakh per year from the mill's operation. She has regularly paid off a large portion of the bank loan and is also benefiting from the 35 percent margin money subsidy under the scheme.
Despite not having prior experience in operating machinery, Tulemdri gained expertise in the business through her eagerness to learn and strong willpower. She attributes her success to the Chhattisgarh government, the Government of India, the District Trade and Industry Centre, and the Union Bank. Mrs. Tulemdri Thakur says that if the willpower is strong and government schemes are availed properly, any woman can realize her dream of becoming self-reliant.