To boost economic growth and ensure livelihoods, both central and state governments in India have introduced various employment schemes over the years. These initiatives aim to provide skill development, financial support, and job opportunities, particularly to young people and economically disadvantaged sections.
One such notable effort is the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY). Launched in 1993, this scheme encourages self-employment by providing financial assistance and training to educated, unemployed youth, enabling them to start their own ventures and create employment opportunities.
What is Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY)?
The Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) is a government-backed self-employment scheme introduced to support educated unemployed youth in India. It provides financial assistance for setting up micro-enterprises in the non-agricultural sector. The programme is administered by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and is implemented through various financial institutions and banks nationwide.
Launch of the Scheme
The PMRY scheme was officially launched on 2 October 1993 by the Government of India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It was developed as a strategy to address urban and rural unemployment by encouraging self-employment opportunities. According to a report by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the scheme initially aimed to provide one million jobs through the establishment of small businesses.
Objective of PMRY
The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana is to:
Encourage entrepreneurship among educated youth by providing easy financial assistance.
Reduce unemployment by supporting the establishment of micro-enterprises.
Create sustainable income sources in urban and rural areas.
Empower marginalised sections such as women, SCs, STs, and OBCs through self-employment.
Strengthen the economy by promoting grassroots-level entrepreneurship.
Features of Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana
Some key features of the PMRY scheme include:
Key Features:
Target Group: Educated unemployed youth aged between 18 and 35 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
Loan Amount: Financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh for businesses and ₹5 lakh for partnerships (as per official notifications).
Subsidy: A subsidy of 15% of the project cost, subject to a ceiling of ₹7,500 per entrepreneur.
Collateral: No collateral required for loans up to ₹1 lakh.
Repayment: Flexible repayment schedule ranging from 3 to 7 years.
Training: Entrepreneurship development training provided for up to 15–20 days.
Advantages of Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana
The PMRY offers several advantages to eligible individuals:
Benefits:
Support for Self-Employment: Encourages independent income generation.
Financial Inclusion: Provides institutional credit access to those who may not otherwise qualify.
Employment Generation: Aims to reduce reliance on formal employment by encouraging entrepreneurship.
No Need for High Collateral: Eases access to finance with minimal security requirements.
Inclusive Design: Special concessions and relaxations for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women applicants.
Simplified Procedure: Streamlined loan application and disbursal mechanism through banks.
Eligibility Requirements for Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana
To apply for PMRY, the applicant must meet specific criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
Age: Between 18 and 35 years (extended to 40 years for SC/STs, ex-servicemen, women, and differently abled individuals).
Education: The minimum educational qualification is 8th standard pass.
Family Income: The family income should not exceed ₹40,000 per annum.
Residence: Should be a permanent resident of the area for at least three years.
No Defaulters: Should not be a defaulter to any nationalised bank, financial institution, or cooperative bank.
No Previous Assistance: Should not have previously availed benefits under other subsidy-linked government schemes.
(Source: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)
Project Cost and Implementation Aspects
The scheme finances small ventures in the business, service, and manufacturing sectors.
Project Cost Guidelines:
Individual Projects: Up to ₹2 lakh.
Partnership Projects: Up to ₹5 lakh.
Own Contribution: The beneficiary must contribute 5–16.25% of the project cost.
Subsidy and Margin Money: Subject to limits specified by the implementing agency.
Implementation Agency: District Industries Centres (DICs) and banks manage the screening, approval, and disbursal of loans.
Loan Application Under PM Rozgar Yojana
To secure financial aid under PMRY, applicants must follow a defined application process.
Application Steps:
Visit the nearest District Industries Centre (DIC) or bank branch participating in the PMRY scheme.
Collect the application form or download it from the official state government portal.
Fill in the required personal, educational, and business details.
Attach relevant documents, including educational certificates, proof of residence, and income proof.
Submit the form for review and attend the interview conducted by the screening committee.
Upon approval, the applicant may be called for training before the loan is disbursed.
Documents Required for PM Rozgar Yojana
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
Mandatory Documents:
Application Form duly filled and signed.
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving licence.
Proof of Residence: Ration card, utility bills, or lease agreement.
Educational Qualification Certificate (minimum 8th standard pass).
Income Certificate from a competent authority.
Caste Certificate for reserved category applicants.
Project Report detailing the proposed business.
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana?
The application process is straightforward:
Online/Offline Process:
Visit the official website of the concerned state’s industries department or the nearest DIC.
Submit the application form along with the project report.
Attend an interview or orientation conducted by the nodal agency.
Complete the mandatory entrepreneurship training.
On successful verification and training, loan sanctioning is carried out through banks.
(Source: MSME Development Institutes & District Industry Centres)
How to Repay Under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana?
The repayment terms under PMRY are designed to be flexible.
Repayment Terms:
Repayment Period: 3 to 7 years from the date of loan disbursement.
Initial Moratorium: 6 to 18 months based on the project's nature.
Repayment Mode: Monthly instalments through banks.
Interest Rate: As applicable per RBI guidelines and the lender’s terms.
Penalty for Delay: Additional charges or interest may be levied for delayed payments.
Modifications and New Developments
Over the years, PMRY has undergone structural and operational modifications:
Updates:
In 2008, the scheme was merged with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) to widen its reach.
The merged scheme offers higher financial assistance and covers a broader group of beneficiaries.
Government agencies continue to support entrepreneurship through integrated schemes combining training and credit support.
Online portals such as the MSME Databank and Udyam Registration have improved transparency and accessibility for applicants.
(Source: Khadi and Village Industries Commission - KVIC, MSME Ministry)
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana has served as a foundational step in promoting self-employment and micro-enterprise development in India. By offering subsidised loans, training, and financial inclusion, it has helped many educated unemployed youth pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Although it has now been integrated into newer schemes like PMEGP, its legacy continues to shape the government’s approach to grassroots entrepreneurship and job creation.
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