Over 21k apply for loans under new self-employment scheme

Jaipur: The Chief Minister's Youth Self-Employment Scheme, launched on Jan 22 this year, has attracted more than 21,500 applications within a month, more than double the initial target for the current financial year.The govt initially aimed to benefit 10,000 individuals this year, but the state budget for 2026–27 expanded the scope to cover 30,000 beneficiaries.
Officials in the industries department said the enthusiasm reflects a growing appetite among youth for self-employment opportunities backed by institutional support. Industry commissioner Suresh Ola said the department was working to create a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurship, ensuring that financial assistance reaches as many young people as possible."District managers began scrutinising applications and forwarding them to banks for loan approval and disbursement. Already, about 1,500 applications have been sent to banks, marking the start of the implementation phase," said Ola.Among districts, Jaipur leads with 1,358 applications, followed by Churu with 1,172 and Bikaner with 1,028. Other districts such as Jhalawar, Hanumangarh, Barmer, Dausa, and Sriganganagar also reported strong participation, with 19 districts recording more than 500 applications each.At the heart of the scheme is the promise of interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh, coupled with margin money support of up to Rs 50,000. The benefits vary according to educational qualifications.Applicants who have passed classes 8 to 12 can access loans of up to Rs 3.5 lakh for services and trade, and up to Rs 7.5 lakh for manufacturing, along with margin money of up to Rs 35,000.Graduates, ITI diploma holders, and those with higher qualifications are eligible for larger loans of Rs 5 lakh in services and trade, and Rs 10 lakh in manufacturing, with margin money support of up to Rs 50,000.Applications are being accepted online through SSO IDs and the e-Mitra portal, with required documents including Aadhaar, domicile certificates, educational qualifications, and proof of majority ownership in case of institutional ventures.