31st July, 2003
Ministry of Agro & Rural Industries  


KVIC SETS UP 1,61,505 RURAL INDUSTRIAL UNITS


RAJYA SABHA

A total number of 1,61,505 agro and rural industries projects have been financed and set up in the country by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission under the Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) as on 31st March, 2003. The target for the current year is for the setting up of 25,253 projects, which would generate 3,96,457 additional employment opportunities under the REGP.

The Government is implementing the REGP through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for the promotion and development of agro and rural industries. Under this scheme, the KVIC provides margin money assistance at the rate of 25% of the project cost upto Rs. 10 lakhs and for the project above Rs. 10 lakhs and upto 25 lakhs, rate of margin money is 25% of Rs. 10 lakhs plus 10% on remaining cost of the project. In the case of SC/ST/OBC/Women/Physically Handicapped/Ex-servicemen and Minority Community beneficiary/institution and for hill border and tribal areas, north eastern region, Sikkim, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, the margin money grant is 30% of the project cost upto Rs. 10 lakhs but above this amount and upto Rs. 25 lakhs, it is 30% of Rs. 10 lakhs plus 10% of the remaining cost of the project. Under this scheme, the beneficiary’s contribution is 10% of the project cost. In case of SC/ST and other weaker sections, beneficiary’s contribution is 5% of the project cost. This scheme is being implemented through Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks etc.

This information was given by Minister of Agro and Rural Industries, Shri Sangh Priya Gautam in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.