Maharashtra’s CMEGP Scheme Powers Self-Employment Drive

Flagship programme aims to create 10 lakh jobs through micro and small enterprises

The Maharashtra government’s flagship Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP), launched in August 2019, continues to drive self-employment and entrepreneurship across the state, targeting both rural and urban areas.

Administered by the Directorate of Industries and implemented through District Industries Centres (DICs), the Maharashtra Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB), and partner banks, the scheme supports new micro and small enterprises in manufacturing, service, agro-based, and traditional sectors.

Key Objectives & Scope
The CMEGP aims to reduce unemployment and promote self-sufficiency by:

• Encouraging unemployed youth, women, and small entrepreneurs to start businesses.
• Supporting MSMEs, Khadi, and rural industries.
• Providing subsidised loans and grants for eligible projects.
• Promoting balanced industrial growth across regions.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be domiciled in Maharashtra and aged 18–45 years (up to 50 years for SC/ST/OBC, women, ex-servicemen, and differently-abled). Educational requirements vary:

• Minimum 7th pass for projects above ₹10 lakh.
• Minimum 10th pass for projects above ₹25 lakh.

New ventures only are eligible, with one application per family. Beneficiaries of schemes like PMEGP or PMRY are excluded.

Sectors Covered
The scheme supports:

• Manufacturing: Textiles, handicrafts, paper products, furniture, leather goods.
• Service: Beauty parlours, gyms, IT services, diagnostic labs.
• Agro-based: Dairy, poultry, food processing, organic farming.
• Rural/Cottage industries: Khadi, handlooms, pottery, bamboo products.

Financial Support
The CMEGP offers subsidies up to 35%, collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh, flexible repayment terms, and margin money support to ease loan repayment burdens. Women, SC/ST, and differently-abled beneficiaries receive higher subsidies, with 30% reservation for women.

State Targets & Implementation
Piloted under the New Industrial Policy 2019, CMEGP has an ambitious goal: to support 1 lakh enterprises and create 10 lakh jobs over five years. The programme is monitored closely at district levels to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Government Push for Entrepreneurship
Officials highlight CMEGP as a transformative tool for first-time entrepreneurs. “This scheme is a bridge between ambition and opportunity. It empowers individuals to build sustainable livelihoods while strengthening the state’s industrial base,” a senior Industries Department official said.

Interested applicants can apply via the official CMEGP portal and secure loans through nationalised, private, or cooperative banks. Experts suggest that entrepreneurs can also explore business loans and eligibility calculators to complement CMEGP funding and scale operations faster.