State-Level Monitoring Committee Reviews Progress of PMEGP in Bihar

Chirag Gupta

Patna: A State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) meeting under the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) was chaired by Bandana Preyashi, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, at Vikas Bhawan, New Secretariat, Patna. The meeting focused on reviewing the performance of banks under the scheme for the financial year 2024-25 and issuing necessary guidelines to ensure timely achievement of targets.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the national nodal agency for PMEGP, along with Bihar’s District Industries Centres and the Bihar State Khadi Village Industries Board, are responsible for implementing the scheme. The meeting commenced with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by a detailed presentation by Dr. Mohd. Hanif Mewati, State Director of KVIC and Convener of the SLMC, outlining the achievements of the past decade and district-wise and bank-wise performance for the current financial year.

During the meeting, Preyashi emphasised the need for banks to achieve 100% of their assigned targets under PMEGP, including those related to second loans for 2024–25. Bank representatives assured the committee of their commitment to meeting these targets by February 2025.

Key attendees included Dr. Alok Ranjan Ghosh, Director of the Department of Industries, Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar, CEO of Bihar State Khadi Village Industries Board, and state heads from banks such as State Bank of India and Small Industries Development Bank of India. Discussions revolved around the effective implementation of PMEGP and enhancing Bihar’s national recognition under the scheme.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hanif Mewati, expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions and reaffirming the shared commitment to driving employment generation in Bihar.