By Bizodisha Bueau, Bhubaneswar, February 19, 2024: With general elections round the corner, the Naveen Patnaik has announced a series of sops. The latest move is to woo youths with interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh. Under the ‘Swayam’ scheme, eligible rural and urban youth aged between 18-35 years will have access to interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh.

This financial support is intended to facilitate the establishment of new businesses or the expansion of existing ones, thereby catalyzing entrepreneurship and job creation across the state. This initiative, announced by Odisha Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering self-employment opportunities and economic growth.

By extending support to OBCs, backward classes, and the most backward classes, the government aims to address longstanding disparities and foster inclusive growth. The introduction of the ‘Swayam’ scheme and other welfare initiatives by the Odisha government signifies a concerted effort towards inclusive growth and socio-economic empowerment.

By prioritizing youth entrepreneurship and addressing the needs of marginalized communities, the government is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future for the people of Odisha.