The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), will continue in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17). The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry statement says the scheme will continue with a double fund allocation. The scheme was launched in 2008, with a total plan outlay of 4,735 crore rupees for four years (2008-09 to 2011-12). So far, 2,955 crore rupees have been released and 1.36 lakh projects assisted, which have generated 13.16 lakh employment.

Our correspondent reports that the objectives of this scheme are to generate employment opportunities in rural as well as urban areas of the country through setting up of new self-employment ventures or projects, or micro- enterprises. The Scheme is implemented through the State Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) with the involvement of banks