Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 10 (HBTV): The Uttar Pradesh government is strengthening support for youth, women and artisan communities through CM-YUVA, ODOP and skill-upgradation initiatives, aiming to expand self-employment opportunities, revive traditional industries and establish over one lakh micro-enterprises every year.
Under the Chief Minister's Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM-YUVA), the state has set a target to benefit 1.70 lakh young people in the financial year 2025–26, along with efforts to establish more than one lakh new micro-enterprises annually. According to the release, the core objective of the government's policies is to integrate youth, women and traditional crafts into a unified model of economic development.
This inclusive approach has opened wider avenues for self-employment, entrepreneurship and job creation across the state.
Through CM-YUVA, individuals aged 21 to 40 are eligible for 100 per cent interest-free and collateral-free loans of up to INR 5 lakh for industrial and service-based ventures. Applicants also receive a 10 per cent margin money grant on project costs. Youth who have passed at least the eighth grade and completed skills training from a recognised institution are eligible.
After completing training, many beneficiaries have become successful entrepreneurs and are creating employment opportunities for other youth and women. This has boosted industry-related economic activity in both rural and urban regions, giving new momentum to the state's economic landscape.
Through the ODOP initiative, the Yogi government has revived traditional crafts and handlooms that were on the verge of disappearing before 2017. The Shajar industry is a prominent example. Once limited to a small number of artisan families, this unique Shajar stone, found only in the sands of the Ken River, has witnessed a significant revival. By promoting it under ODOP and securing a GI tag, the number of families engaged in the craft has increased, demonstrating how targeted government support, training and financial incentives can rejuvenate declining industries.
Initiatives such as the Vishwakarma Shramik Samman and the distribution of modern toolkits are further enhancing artisan skills and strengthening their economic stability. Alongside the Shajar industry, women's self-help groups, artisans and youth across the state are being connected to new markets, training programmes and digital platforms through ODOP.
This has enabled thousands of women to gain self-employment and reach national and international markets with their products.
The synergy of women's empowerment, traditional craftsmanship and modern marketing is emerging as a new economic identity for Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)