Pathankot: PM MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) Yojna, a Government of India scheme, intended to support small entrepreneurs to earn and create job opportunities and help Indian economy grow and prosper, has benefited a large number of people across the state of Punjab.
While carrying out the publicity programmes in the Pathankot district of the state, DFP officer, Rajesh Chander Bali, FPO, Amritsar came across a few MUDRA beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed after availing the loans provided under the scheme.
According to data made available by the Pathankot District Lead Bank, over 4060 beneficiaries have been sanctioned loans to the tune of Rs. 54 crores till the end of last financial year.
Smt Krishna Devi is leading an independent and comfortable life while financially supporting her family by running a small business from home at Pathankot in Punjab. She is one of the beneficiaries of the MUDRA Yojna. Taking a loan of Rs 5 lakh from the district lead bank, she has re-started her business of selling bed-sheets and other such clothing. A picture of determination, Smt Krishna Devi, who is in her early 60’s says that she never wanted to be dependent on her children.
About couple of months back, she came to know about MUDRA scheme of the government and applied for the loan. She says she was surprised that within days her loan was sanctioned by the bank without any hitch. Looking satisfied and happy to be on her own she was all praise for the scheme.
And she is not the only one in Pathankot district who has started or re-launched her business. Another woman entrepreneur, Smt Chanderkanta, who is running a paint shop, said that she had taken a loan of Rs. 3 lakh under MUDRA yojna to boost up her business by keeping the goods in the stock. She said earlier she had to purchase the goods from market on daily basis to sell to customers. Now, after availing the loan facility, she can store goods for easy availability to customers. Mother of two daughters and a son, she is happy to support her husband in ensuring a comfortable living to her family.
Similarly, Sh Vikesh Mahajan, a physiotherapist and naturopath, who is running an ayurvedic store said that he has not only started earning more profits after taking Rs 5 lakh loan under MUDRA, he has also been able to generate employment for two persons who are assisting him at the store.
Pathankot Deputy Commissioner, Smt Neelima says that her clear instructions to the banks are that no person, who fulfils the criteria to avail loan under MUDRA, Standup India and other such schemes of the Central government, should be denied the facility. By starting a business, the person would not only provide a reasonably good life to his family but would also contribute to the society and economy of the country.