From Small Ventures to Success: How Bihar’s Udyami Yojana Is Empowering Entrepreneurs
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Patna: Sonu Kumar, a young entrepreneur from Jamui district, has turned a simple idea into a thriving business. With support from the Bihar government’s Mukhya Mantri Udyami Yojana, he established a small notebook manufacturing unit, providing employment to four others. His products are now sold locally and on e-commerce platforms, ensuring a steady income and demonstrating the scheme’s impact on grassroots entrepreneurship.
Similarly, Khushboo Kumari, a differently-abled entrepreneur, has built a flourishing spice business with the scheme’s assistance. Employing five people, she attributes her success to courage and determination, proving that ambition, coupled with the right support, can overcome challenges. By leveraging the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyami Yojana, she has carved a niche in the local market.
These success stories reflect the broader impact of Bihar’s Mukhya Mantri Udyami Yojana, an initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship across the state. In the financial year 2024-25, the scheme received 541,667 applications, of which 9,247 were randomly selected for assistance. So far, 6,584 applicants have received financial aid to establish small and medium-scale industries in sectors such as ice cream production, bakery, spices, edible oil, sanitary napkins, and makhana packaging.
Expansion Plans: Entrepreneurship Development Centers in 101 Subdivisions
Encouraged by this response, the Bihar government is expanding its support infrastructure for entrepreneurs. In the second phase of the initiative, an additional 7,153 applicants have been selected, while 1,431 have been placed on a waiting list. To further bolster entrepreneurship, the government is also working on setting up Entrepreneurship Development Centres in 101 subdivisions across the state.
Beyond the Udyami Yojana, the Bihar Small Entrepreneur Scheme has provided direct financial aid to 40,102 beneficiaries, with a total disbursement of Rs 200 crore. Each beneficiary initially received Rs 5,000 as a first installment, while Rs 1 lakh per person has been distributed as a second installment to 8,354 individuals, amounting to Rs 83.54 crore.
Meanwhile, under the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Enterprise Formalization Scheme, Rs 794.81 crore has been allocated to 13,396 enterprises, further strengthening Bihar’s small business ecosystem.
As Bihar continues to nurture its entrepreneurs, initiatives like the Udyami Yojana and its complementary schemes are playing a crucial role in transforming the state’s economic landscape, enabling individuals like Sonu and Khushboo to turn their aspirations into reality.
