Dharamshala, March 18: In a significant development for Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, recently announced that two new Sainik schools will be established in the state. This decision comes under the Central Government’s initiative to open 45 new Sainik schools across India in partnership with various organizations, including NGOs, trusts, private institutions, and government schools.
Sainik schools are designed to provide students with quality education that prepares them for careers in the defence services. The two new schools in Himachal Pradesh will help fulfill this objective by offering specialized training and academic programs aimed at grooming future leaders for the Indian Armed Forces.
Aiming for Quality Education in Defense Services
In a statement made to Rajya Sabha MP Indu Bala Goswami, Union Minister Sanjay Seth shared that the initiative to establish these schools began in 2021, as part of a broader scheme by the Central Government to partner with various institutions in providing defense-focused education. The partnership mode allows a mix of public and private collaboration, making defense education accessible to more students across the country, especially in rural and remote regions.
The opening of Sainik schools in Himachal Pradesh will provide students in the state with a structured pathway to defense careers while imparting quality education. The new schools will offer a curriculum that blends academic excellence with the physical and mental training required for the Armed Forces, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the rigorous demands of military life.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Srijan Karyakram Boosts Entrepreneurship
In another crucial announcement for employment generation, Union Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitin Ram Manjhi, revealed that the Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Srijan Karyakram (PMEGP) has granted loans amounting to Rs 53,296 crore to 6.86 lakh entrepreneurs across the country from 2014-15 to 2023-24. This initiative has provided a significant boost to micro-entrepreneurs, helping generate employment opportunities for over 54 lakh people nationwide.
Under the PMEGP, loans are offered to help establish small businesses in both the manufacturing and service sectors. General category entrepreneurs can receive loans covering up to 90 percent of the project cost for manufacturing enterprises worth up to Rs 50 lakh and service enterprises worth up to Rs 20 lakh. Special category entrepreneurs, including those from Scheduled Castes, Tribes, Backward Classes, Women, Minorities, and Transgenders, are eligible for loans covering up to 95 percent of the project cost.
Additionally, entrepreneurs in rural areas benefit from an additional 25 percent grant of the project cost, while those in urban areas receive 15 percent. For special category entrepreneurs, the grant is 35 percent for rural projects and 25 percent for urban ones.
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Financial Support
This financial support is aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in rural regions, by alleviating the financial burden of starting a business. Entrepreneurs can invest a small fraction of the project cost, with the remainder covered by the loan. This has helped many individuals from underserved communities access financial resources to launch and sustain their businesses.
The PMEGP scheme has played a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship by making it easier for people to turn their business ideas into reality. It has proven to be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas, where access to capital and resources is often limited. By providing loans and grants with minimal upfront investment, the program encourages individuals to take the entrepreneurial plunge, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
Impact of These Initiatives on Himachal Pradesh
The establishment of two new Sainik schools and the widespread distribution of loans through the PMEGP will have a significant impact on Himachal Pradesh. The Sainik schools will not only provide quality education but will also boost the state’s defense sector by preparing students for careers in the Indian Armed Forces. Moreover, these initiatives align with the state’s broader goal of promoting self-reliance and encouraging youth to explore various career avenues, including defense services.
On the entrepreneurship front, the PMEGP will offer a much-needed boost to local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh. With loans and grants, individuals in rural and urban areas can set up businesses, thereby contributing to local employment and economic growth. These initiatives also have the potential to reduce unemployment rates and improve the standard of living for many families in the state.
Both of these developments reflect a concerted effort by the Central Government to create more opportunities for the people of Himachal Pradesh, whether it’s through quality education or fostering entrepreneurship. With these measures in place, the state is poised for a brighter and more prosperous future.
