TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 22, 2025: The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is steadily emerging as a catalyst for self-reliance and rural entrepreneurship, with success stories from across Chhattisgarh underscoring its impact. One such inspiring example is that of Mr. Upesh Kumar Sidar, a tribal youth from Junwani village in Sakti development block of Sakti district, who has successfully established a food processing unit and is now earning nearly ₹1 lakh per month.
Born into a middle-class family, Mr. Sidar grew up in a household of five members, including his parents and two younger brothers. His father, a retired employee of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), ensured that despite limited resources, his children received quality education. Mr. Sidar went on to complete his postgraduation in Commerce, nurturing aspirations of starting his own business. However, like many young graduates, he faced financial constraints and a lack of initial capital, which posed a major hurdle in turning his entrepreneurial dream into reality.
A turning point came when Mr. Sidar learned about the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, implemented in the district through the District Trade and Industry Center (DTIC), Sakti. The scheme offers special support to youth from Scheduled Tribes to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship. After detailed consultations with officials and technical staff of the DTIC, he decided to set up a rice puffed food processing unit and prepared a comprehensive project proposal under their guidance.
The project, with a total cost of ₹30.42 lakh, was submitted to the Bank of Baroda, Sakti branch. After due evaluation, the bank sanctioned and disbursed a loan of ₹28.90 lakh. In addition, Mr. Sidar received a substantial subsidy of ₹10.64 lakh under the PMEGP scheme, significantly reducing his financial burden and enabling him to establish the unit on a sound footing.
Set up in Dadai village under Sakti tehsil, the food processing unit has steadily expanded through consistent hard work, adherence to quality standards and disciplined management. The enterprise has not only ensured sustainable income for Mr. Sidar but has also generated direct employment for nine local youths, thereby contributing to livelihood creation at the grassroots level.
Today, Mr. Sidar earns approximately ₹1 lakh per month from his business, marking a remarkable transformation from a job-seeking graduate to a successful entrepreneur. His journey reflects how targeted government schemes, when combined with determination and proper guidance, can empower young people to become self-reliant and job creators rather than job seekers.
Mr. Upesh Kumar Sidar’s success has become a source of inspiration for other youths in the region, particularly those from tribal and rural backgrounds. His story stands as a strong testament to the effectiveness of the PM Employment Generation Programme in promoting economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth in Chhattisgarh.
