IMPACT OF PMEGP ON ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT OF TRIBAL BENEFICIARIES OF JHARKHAND

Economics

The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to promote self-employment and micro-enterprise development, especially among weaker sections like Scheduled Tribes. This study focuses on understanding the impact of PMEGP on the entrepreneurial development of tribal beneficiaries in Jharkhand, a state with a significant tribal population and high unemployment rates. The objective is to assess whether PMEGP has helped tribal individuals start their businesses, become self-reliant, and improve their socio-economic conditions. The research uses a case study method with data collected from different districts of Jharkhand such as Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, and West Singhbhum. Personal interviews, field visits, and official records were used to gather primary data, while government reports and journal articles were reviewed for secondary insights. The study found that PMEGP has created new business opportunities in areas like handicrafts, agro-based processing, tailoring, and small-scale retail among tribal communities. Many beneficiaries reported increased household income, better savings, and more social recognition after receiving support through PMEGP. However, the study also highlights challenges such as lack of training, difficulty in accessing bank loans, delay in subsidy disbursal, and limited marketing support. Most tribal entrepreneurs still face issues related to financial literacy, documentation, and product visibility. Women entrepreneurs, though present, are very few and face greater social hurdles. Despite these limitations, PMEGP has planted the seed of entrepreneurship in many tribal villages, encouraging young people to consider business as a viable career option rather than migrating for daily-wage work. The paper concludes that while PMEGP has made a positive impact, more targeted interventions, capacity-building programs, mentorship, and better financial systems are needed to strengthen tribal entrepreneurship in Jharkhand. The success of the scheme lies not just in financial assistance but in building confidence and resilience among the tribal youth to sustain their businesses and grow.

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