Meghalaya CM launches CM-ELEVATE to encourage entrepreneurship among youth

New Delhi, October 13: Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma has launched the CM-ELEVATE to encourage state’s youth towards entrepreneurship and empower them with self-employment opportunities.   

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that CM-Elevate will create entrepreneurship opportunities for over 20,000 individuals in the span of three years, across sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and more with a total investment of approximately Rs 300 crores over three years.

He said that the government will provide financial support ranging from 35 to 75 per cent of the project cost to mitigate the risks associated with credit. He called upon individuals from Meghalaya, registered entities, and non-registered collectives, such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organizations (VOs), and Producer Groups (PGs) from Meghalaya, to apply for the program.

The Chief Minister further added that the State Tourism Department is offering four remarkable schemes under CM-Elevate. “The Green Villa Scheme, the Homestay Scheme, the Motorhome Meghalaya Scheme, and the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme are set to transform our tourism sector. These initiatives will help youth in the state take up tourism related projects where government will various government subsidies,” he said. The state government is anticipating around 700 direct employment opportunities and numerous indirect jobs, benefiting the youth of Meghalaya.

According to the government officials, the Prime Tourism Vehicle Allocation and Prime Agriculture Response Vehicles (PARV) will enhance the tourist experience and support local tourism-related businesses. The Government has allocated 46 PARVs to empower the farmers and improve agricultural practices. These vehicles will help the farmers increase their productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

Notably, the Garo Hills have a total of 19,308 Self-Help Groups, playing a crucial role in the development of the region.

Notably, under the Green Meghalaya initiative, the state government has already helped 290 individuals in Garo Hills who are now contributing to environmental sustainability and conservation.