Government Initiatives and Schemes in Assam - Rural Non-Farm Employment

Government Initiatives and Schemes in Assam

Rural Non-Farm Employment

The rural non-farm sector in Assam plays a crucial role in employment generation and income diversification. This sector encompasses a wide range of economic activities outside agriculture, such as manufacturing, services, construction, and trade. The Government of India and the Assam state government have introduced several initiatives to promote rural non-farm employment, particularly focusing on the development of small, micro, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

1. Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

PMEGP is a flagship scheme that encourages self-employment by providing financial assistance for setting up micro-enterprises. The scheme is particularly important in rural areas of Assam as it supports artisans, craftsmen, and small business owners. Under PMEGP:

• The government provides a subsidy of 15% to 35% depending on the category of the applicant and location.
• In 2023, Assam witnessed over 12,000 units being established under PMEGP, creating approximately 90,000 jobs in rural areas.

2. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Schemes

MSMEs are vital for boosting rural non-farm employment. The government has launched several schemes under the MSME Ministry to support small-scale industries in Assam. Some of the major schemes are:

• Prime Minister's Mudra Yojana (PMMY): This scheme provides credit to small entrepreneurs. As of 2023, ₹2,500 crores worth of loans have been disbursed in Assam, benefiting 1.5 lakh rural entrepreneurs.
• Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS): This scheme provides a 15% subsidy on investment in technology upgradation for rural industries.
• MSME Champions Scheme: Launched to support and mentor MSMEs in Assam, the scheme aims to nurture over 10,000 small industries in the state, generating more than 30,000 jobs in the next 2 years.

3. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

PMKVY is a skill development initiative that aims to enhance employability by providing vocational training. In rural Assam:

• As of 2023, 45,000 rural youths have been trained under PMKVY in sectors like handicrafts, textiles, and carpentry.
• The scheme has resulted in a significant increase in the income of rural artisans, with many transitioning from seasonal agricultural labor to full-time non-farm employment.

Data & Statistics: Rural Non-Farm Sector in Assam

• Non-farm employment: Accounts for 37% of the total employment in rural Assam.
• PMEGP units in 2023: Generated ₹320 crore in rural income.
• MSME growth: Assam witnessed a 20% rise in MSME registration in rural areas in 2022-2023.

4. Start-Up India Initiative

The Start-Up India initiative has gained significant traction in Assam’s rural non-farm sector. Focused on fostering innovation, the scheme provides financial and technical assistance to rural entrepreneurs in sectors such as handicrafts, e-commerce, and technology-based services. Key impacts include:

• Support to Rural Startups: More than 500 startups in rural Assam have received seed funding since 2020.
• Job Creation: These startups have created over 8,000 jobs in remote areas of Assam.

5. Other State-Specific Initiatives

In addition to national schemes, the Government of Assam has launched several state-specific programs to promote non-farm employment. Some notable initiatives include:

• Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART): Focuses on creating value chains in agriculture and allied sectors, benefiting rural non-farm enterprises through agro-processing, handicrafts, and handloom production.
• Chief Minister's Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY): Aims to double farmers' income by promoting non-farm activities in rural areas through financial aid and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The various government schemes have made significant strides in boosting rural non-farm employment in Assam. With targeted interventions in skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial assistance, the rural non-farm sector is poised to become a critical driver of economic growth in Assam. The next step involves further enhancing the reach of these schemes, ensuring that the most remote villages and marginalized groups benefit from these initiatives.

Challenges in Rural Non-Farm Employment in Assam 

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