PM Launched PM-SURAJ Portal

The Prime Minister launched the PM-SURAJ portal 'Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan' national portal and also sanctioned credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs of disadvantaged sections.

About PM-SURAJ national portal

• PM-SURAJ is a nationwide initiative aimed at uplifting and empowering the most marginalised or backward segments of society. The initiative is a transformative step towards prioritising the underprivileged, reflecting Prime Minister Modi's commitment. 
• Through the PM-SURAJ national portal, credit support will be provided to eligible individuals across the country. This support will be facilitated through banks, NBFC-MFIs and other organisations.
• Under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) the Prime Minister also distributed Ayushman health cards and PPE kits to sewer and septic tank workers. This initiative shows another step towards safeguarding and assuring the health and safety of frontline workers who work in challenging conditions.
• It should be noted that the programme had the participation of about 300,000 beneficiaries from disadvantaged groups in over 500 districts across the country, who were part of various government schemes.

Schemes for Entrepreneurs

Various schemes for entrepreneurs in India are: 

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

In 2016, the government launched a scheme with the aim of promoting innovation by creating new programmes and policies to assist startup development in various economic areas. The scheme is called the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), and it provides approximately Rs 10 crores to finance firms over five years. This scheme is available to all emerging organizations in the fields of health, agriculture, education, transportation and more.

Multiplier Grant Scheme (MGS)

The Multiplier Grant Scheme (MGS), launched by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, aims to foster collaborative research and development among industries, ultimately driving growth in the production and delivery of goods and services. Under this scheme, the government provides a maximum grant of Rs 2 crore per project for a duration of less than two years.

Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS)

The DEDS scheme, launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairying, seeks to foster self-employment in the dairy industry through various activities such as milk production, procurement, preservation, marketing, and more. 

Startup India Initiative

The Startup India Initiative is a highly sought-after government programme for startups in India. Its primary goal is to offer tax benefits to entrepreneurs for a period of five years or more. Currently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized 114,458 startups. Eligible startups must be no more than seven years old, while biotechnology companies can be recognized up to 10 years after their establishment date.

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme 

In a bid to provide support to fledgling startups, the Indian government launched a scheme in January 2021. Early-stage entrepreneurs who meet the required criteria would be eligible for funding of up to Rs 5 crore. Startups can avail themselves of up to Rs 20 lakhs for developing concepts or demonstrations, and up to Rs 50 lakhs for the growth of their products or services. As of now, over 1000 startups have benefitted from the Startup India seed fund scheme, receiving more than Rs 177 crore in total.