Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme - PMEGP

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) has launched a new credit linked subsidy programme called Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) on 61st anniversary of Indian Independence by merging the two schemes that were in operation till 31.03.2008 namely Prime Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) for generation of employment opportunities through establishment of micro enterprises in rural as well as urban areas. PMEGP will be a central sector scheme to be administered by the Ministry of MSME.

2. The subsidy levels, the cost limit of projects or units that could be established under PMRY which was extended to rural areas as well in 1994-95, were quite low and unattractive compared to those available to the beneficiaries in REGP. While the maximum subsidy admissible was Rs.12500 and the maximum cost of project that could be established was Rs.5 lakh under PMRY, the maximum subsidy that was admissible was Rs.4 lakh and the maximum cost of project that could be established was Rs.25 lakh under REGP for a beneficiary belonging to General category. There were more attractive programmes for creation of self employment opportunities being operated by many State Governments. Recovery rates of loans under PMRY were also considerably less than those under REGP. PMEGP improves upon the subsidy levels and cost limits of projects compared to those available so far under PMRY and ensures that the attractiveness of REGP is not diluted in any way while simultaneously strengthening the selection process, implementation and monitoring mechanism.

3. The subsidy levels under PMEGP are as under:
Categories of beneficiaries under PMEGP

General
Owner’scontribution - 10%
Rate of Subsidy (of cost of Project)
Urban - 15%
Rural - 25%

Special (including SC/ STs/ OBCs/ Minorities/ Women, Ex-servicemen, Physically Handicapped, NER, Hill and Border Areas)
Owner’scontribution - 05%
Rate of Subsidy (of cost of Project)
Urban - 25%
Rural - 35%

4. The upper limit of the cost of project that could be setup in the manufacturing sector is Rs.25 lakh while that in the business/service sector is Rs.10 lakh. There are no ceiling limits of annual income in respect of beneficiaries while a minimum educational qualification of VIII standard pass will be required for beneficiaries in respect of projects costing more than Rs.10 lakh in manufacturing sector and more than Rs.5 lakh in business/service sector. The beneficiaries would be identified, inter alia, with the help of Panchayats, Special Awareness Camps and will be provided with a mandatory Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) training of a duration of two to three weeks. The scheme envisages electronic tracking of applications, 100 per cent verification of projects/units that will be established and model project profiles have been updated in association with banks. The scheme will be implemented at the national level through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), an organization created under an Act of Parliament reporting to MoMSME which will place the funds of Government subsidy with the participating banks which in turn will disburse the same to the beneficiaries on receipt of applications and their own contribution ‘upfront’ in accordance with the guidelines of the scheme.

5. While KVIC has been given the overall responsibility for implementing PMEGP at the national level, it will directly do so in respect of the targets for rural areas, as defined in the KVIC Act, through its State Offices and State Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs). Implementation of PMEGP in urban areas and other rural areas will be done through the State Governments {District Industries Centres (DICs)}. The newly introduced Rajiv Gandhi Udyami Mitra Yojana of MoMSME can also be tapped for providing handholding support to the beneficiaries under PMEGP.

6. Budget Estimates 2008-09 have provided Rs.823 crore for PMEGP which includes Rs.83 crore towards Backward and Forward linkages including EDP training, publicity, marketing support, e-tracking of applications, physical verification of projects and so on. An estimated 6.17 lakh additional employment opportunities are targeted to be generated in 2008-09. The estimated total outlay for subsidy under PMEGP is Rs.4485 crore in addition to Rs.250 crore earmarked for providing Backward and Forward linkages to the micro enterprises between 2008-09 to 2011-2012 leading to an estimated generation of around 37.38 lakh additional employment opportunities. The scheme will be got independently reviewed after two years of its implementation.

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HOW TO Obtain Birth Certificate

What is a Birth Certificate and Why is it Essential?

A Birth Certificate is the most important identity document that makes it possible for anyone in possession of it to benefit from a gamut of services offered by the Indian Government to its citizens. It becomes necessary to obtain a Birth Certificate because it serves to establish the date and fact of one's birth for a whole range of purposes, like acquiring the right to vote, admission to schools and to the Government Service, claiming the right to marry at the legally permissible age, settlement of inheritance and property rights, and obtaining Government-issued identity documents like a driving licence or passport.
The Legal Framework

In India, it is mandatory under the law (as per the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969 (External website that opens in a new window) ) to register every birth/stillbirth with the concerned State/UT Government within 21 days of its occurrence. The Government accordingly has provided for a well-defined system for registration of Birth, with the Registrar General at the centre and the Chief Registrars in the States, running through district registrars to the village and town registrars at the periphery.
What You Need to Do

To apply for a Birth Certificate, you must first register the birth. The birth has to be registered with the concerned local authorities within 21 days of its occurrence, by filling up the form prescribed by the Registrar. Birth Certificate is then issued after verification with the actual records of the concerned hospital.

In case the birth has not been registered within the specified time of its occurrence, the certificate is issued after due police verification ordered by the revenue authorities.

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HOW TO Apply for Inclusion of name in the Electoral Rolls

Why is it Important to get Your Name Included in the Electoral Rolls?

For every constituency, there is a list of voters that is called the Electoral Roll. To be able to exercise your vote, your name must be in the Electoral Roll of the area of your residence. According to Article 326 of the Constitution and Sec. 19 of the R. P. Act, 1950, the minimum age for the registration of a voter in India is 18 years, as on the first day of January of the year in which the Electoral Roll is prepared or revised.
What You Need to Do

Anyone who is a citizen of India and is at least 18 years of age is eligible to vote. People who are not citizens of India are not eligible to vote. Non-resident Indian Citizens who are employed under the Govt. of India in a post outside India are eligible to be registered as voters as per the terms of Sec 20 (8) (d), read with Sec 20 (3) of the R. P. Act, 1950.

You can get your name included in the voters list either during a door-to-door campaign by the authorised Govt. functionaries, conducted once in every 10 years, or during annual revision, the date of which is published by the Election Department. You need to apply in the prescribed form, which is available either online or with the ERO (Election Registration Officer)/Designated Officer, and present yourself on the date of hearing. If everything is found to be in order, your name will be included in the Electoral Roll of the constituency in which you reside.

Note:

A person living in a particular constituency can only get enrolled in that constituency and in none other. Also, one's name cannot feature in the Electoral Roll of more than one constituency at any point of time.

Here is how to get a voters card in India:
voters card in India Things you need:
Xerox copy of ration card
Xerox copy of telephone or electricity bill
Xerox copy of pan card or passport

Step 1 : The municipality generally opens camps at various locations and informs the residents to bring valid documents on the stipulated dates and timings. Be sure to reach the spot on the given day and at the given time with the required valid documents.

voters card in IndiaStep 2 : Take the Xerox copies along with you. You will need to show Xerox copies of the things mentioned in the Things you need section of this article.

Step 3 : Take all interested family members along with you. All the members of a family who want to obtain a voters card need to present at the camp.

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HOW TO Apply for Passport

The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for the issuance of the Indian Passport to Indian Citizens. Passports are issued to Indian citizens from 30 locations across the country and 163 Indian missions abroad.

All information pertaining to the issuance of Passports can be availed from the Central website passport.gov.in . All the Passport offices (External website that opens in a new window) located in India have an online Status Enquiry Service , whereby one can check the status of a passport application by entering the File Reference Number available in the receipt. Applicants can also avail the facility to submit their grievances online, in case there are any.
How to Apply For a Passport

To apply for a fresh Passport, re-issue of Passports/ issue of Passports in lieu of lost & damaged Passports and for miscellaneous services, obtain the relevant Passport Application Form from any of the Passport Offices or the designated Speed Post centers or any of the designated outlets in your city. The Passport Application Form (External website that opens in a new window) can also be downloaded by clicking here.

Click here for the detailed eligibility rules and instructions for filling up the form.

The carefully filled up Application Form has to be submitted, along with proof of residence, proof of date of birth, personal particulars form (if applicable), 'No Objection Certificate' (in case of Government of Public Sector Employees), necessary affidavits and other supporting documents at any of following locations, under the jurisdiction of which the applicant is presently residing:

1. Across the counter of the Passport office
2. At the Speed Post centers
3. District Passport Cells
4. Passport Collection Centers

For further information and details, kindly visit the central website of the Passport Office

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HOW TO pply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN)

Permanent Account Number (PAN) refers to a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued in the form of a laminated card, by the Income Tax Department in India. It is a must to have a PANnumber for all those who file their income tax returns, because from 2005 onwards, it has been made mandatory by the Income Tax Department to quote the PAN on return of income as well as on all correspondence with any income tax authority in the country.

Also, it is now compulsory to quote PAN in all documents pertaining to financial transactions notified from time to time by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, such as sale and purchase of immovable property or motor vehicle or payments in cash, of amounts exceeding a certain limit to hotels and restaurants, or in connection with travel to any foreign country. It is also mandatory to mention PAN for obtaining a telephone or cellular telephone connection. Likewise, PAN has to be mentioned for making a time deposit exceedingRs. 50,000/- with a Bank or Post Office or for depositing cash of Rs. 50,000/- or more in aBank.
How to apply for a PAN ?

The Income Tax Department (External website that opens in a new window) has ensured that applying for a PAN is a simple and convenient procedure. All you need to do is submit the requisiteApplication Form No. 49A (273 KB) (PDF file that opens in a new window) . The PAN application can also be downloaded from the website of UTI Investor Services Ltd (the authorised agency to manage IT PAN service Centres in various cities) or from the website of National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) (External website that opens in a new window) or printed by local printers or photocopied (on A4 size 70 GSM paper) or obtained from any other source. The form is also available at IT PAN Service Centres and TIN Facilitation Centres.

You will need a recent colour photograph (stamp size: 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm) to attach on the form. You must mention the designation and code of the concerned Assessing Officer of theIncome Tax department in Form 49A. You can get this from the IT PAN Service Centresmentioned in the websites listed above. Also, the application shall have to be accompanied by a proof of identity as well as a proof of residence.

The filled application form has to be submitted at your nearest IT PAN Service Centre orTIN Facilitation Centre along with the requisite fee. The location of such centres can besearched online by using the facility given below :

* IT PAN Service Centres (External website that opens in a new window)
* TIN Facilitation Centres(External website that opens in a new window)

Applications for fresh allotment of PAN can also be submitted through the Net

Further, requests for changes or correction in PAN data or a request for a newPAN card (for an existing PAN) may also be made through the Internet. For more details visithttp://www.tin-nsdl.com (External website that opens in anew window). If an application for allotment of PAN is submitted through theInternet and payment made through a 'nominated' credit card, the PAN is allotted on priority and communicated through email.

For more information, visit the FAQ section on Permanent Account Number (External website that opens in a new window) on the Income Tax Department website.

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HOW TO Apply for Ration Card

What is a Ration Card and Why is it Needed?

A Ration Card is a document issued under an order or authority of the State Government, as per the Public Distribution System, for the purchase of essential commodities from fair price shops. State Governments issue distinctive Ration Cards to Above Poverty Line, Below Poverty Line and Antyodaya families and conduct periodical review and checking of Ration Cards.

A Ration Card is a very useful document for Indian citizens. It helps save money by aiding in the procurement of essential commodities at a subsidised rate. It has also become an important tool of identification now-a-days. You may need to produce a copy of your Ration Card as proof of identification when applying for other documents like Domicile Certificate, for inclusion of your name in the Electoral Rolls, etc.

Families living below the poverty line are entitled to Blue Cards, under which they can avail special subsidies. In addition to permanent Ration Cards, States also issue temporary Ration Cards, which are valid for a specified number of months, and are issued for relief purposes.
What You Need to Do to Obtain a Ration Card

You may obtain the application form for making a new Consumer (Ration) Card from any Circle Office. You will require passport-sized photographs of the head of your family attested by a gazetted officer/MLA/MP/Municipal Councillor, the specified proof(s) of residence, and the Surrender/Deletion Certificate of the previous Ration Card, if there was any.

In case you are not able to provide any proof of residence, the Circle FSO conducts spot inquiries by recording the statements of two independent witnesses in your neighbourhood. The standard prescribed time schedule for the preparation of a Ration Card is generally 15 days. However, the procedure and time limit may vary from State to State.

There is also a provision for making amendments to valid Ration Cards.

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HOW TO Obtain a Domicile Certificate

What is a Domicile Certificate and Why is it Needed?

A Domicile/Residence Certificate is generally issued to prove that the person bearing the Certificate is a Domicile/Resident of the State/UT by which the Certificate is being issued. This Certificate is required as proof of residence to avail Domicile/Resident Quotas in educational institutions and in the Government Service, as also in case of jobs where local residents are preferred.
What You Need to Do to Obtain a Domicile Certificate

The prescribed application forms are either available online or from the local authorities, i.e. the Sub-Divisional Magistrate/Tehsildar's office/Revenue Department/District Collector's Office, or any other authority as specified in the State/UT of your residence. You will be required to produce proof of continuous residence in the State/UT for a specified minimum period, or that of holding land in the State/UT, depending on the rules in the State/UT concerned. Documents for proving your identity, attestation of the form by officers with the necessary authority, school certificates and the Tehsil Enquiry Report may also be required.

Women not originally belonging to a State/UT, but married to men who are permanent residents of the State/UT or who are eligible for the State's/UT's Domicile Certificate, are eligible to apply for Domicile Certificate.

Note:

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HOW TO Obtain Death Certificate

What is a Death Certificate and Why is it Needed?

A Death Certificate is a document issued by the Government to the nearest relatives of the deceased, stating the date, fact and cause of death. It is essential to register death to prove the time and date of death, to establish the fact of death for relieving the individual from social, legal and official obligations, to enable settlement of property inheritance, and to authorise the family to collect insurance and other benefits.
The Legal Framework

In India, it is mandatory under the law (as per the Registration of Births & Deaths Act, 1969 (External website that opens in a new window)) to register every death with the concerned State/UT Government within 21 days of its occurrence. The Government accordingly has provided for a well-defined system for registration of Death, with the Registrar General, India, at the centre and the Chief Registrars in States, running through district registrars to the village and town registrars at the periphery.
What You Need to Do to Obtain a Death Certificate

A death can be reported and registered by the head of the family, in case it occurs in a house; by the medical in-charge if it occurs in a hospital; by the jail in-charge if it occurs in a jail; and by the headman of the village or the in-charge of the local police station in case the body is found deserted in that area.

To apply for a Death Certificate, you must first register the death. The death has to be registered with the concerned local authorities within 21 days of its occurrence, by filling up the form prescribed by the Registrar. Death Certificate is then issued after proper verification.

If a death is not registered within 21 days of its occurrence, permission from the Registrar/Area Magistrate, along with the fee prescribed in case of late registration, is required.

The application form in which you are required to apply is usually available with the area's local body authorities, or with the Registrar who maintains the Register of Deaths. You might also need to submit proof of birth of the deceased, an affidavit specifying the date and time of death, a copy of the ration card, and the required fee in the form of court fee stamps.

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HOW TO Obtain a Tribe Certificate

Scheduled Tribes as defined by the Law

Tribal population is found in various States and UTs of India. In the post-Independence period, all the tribal communities were grouped together as "Scheduled Tribes", under the Constitution.

The main criteria adopted for specifying communities as "Scheduled Tribes" include:

* Traditional occupation of a definite geographical area.
* Distinctive culture that includes a whole spectrum of tribal ways of life, i.e., language, customs, traditions, religious beliefs, arts and crafts, etc.
* Primitive traits depicting occupational pattern, economy, etc.
* Lack of educational and techno-economic development

The first specification of Scheduled Tribes in relation to a particular State/ Union Territory is by a notified order of the President, after consultation with the State Government concerned. These orders can be modified subsequently only through an Act of Parliament. As per Article 342 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the State Governments concerned, has promulgated 9 orders so far, specifying the Scheduled Tribes in relation to the concerned State and Union Territories.

Know more about the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (External website that opens in a new window).
What is a Tribe Certificate and Why Is it Needed?

A Tribe Certificate is the proof of ones belonging to a "Scheduled Tribe", as per the specifications mentioned in the Indian Constitution. The Government felt that the Scheduled Tribes need special encouragement and opportunities to progress at the same pace as the rest of the citizenry. As a result, as part of the Indian system of Protective Discrimination, there exist certain special privileges granted to this category of citizens, such as reservation of seats in the Legislatures and in the Government Service, waiving of a part or the whole of the fees for admission to schools and colleges, quotas in educational institutions, relaxation of upper age limits for applying to certain jobs,etc. To be able to avail these privileges, a citizen belonging to a Scheduled Tribe must be in possession of a valid Tribe Certificate.
How to Apply for a Tribe Certificate

People belonging to the tribes enlisted in the notified orders of the President can apply for obtaining a Tribe Certificate. Tribal development departments in some states provide certain online facilities such as downloading the concerned application form, details on tribal welfare schemes, etc., on their websites. Click on any of the States given below to access the 'Tribe Certificate' application form for that State.

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HOW TO Obtain Caste Certificate

What is a Caste Certificate and Why is it Needed?

A Caste Certificate is the proof of one's belonging to a particular caste, especially in case one belongs to any of the 'Scheduled Castes', as specified in the Indian Constitution. The Government felt that the Scheduled Castes and Tribes need special encouragement and opportunities to progress at the same pace as the rest of the citizenry. As a result, as part of the Indian system of Protective Discrimination, there exist certain special privileges granted to this category of citizens, such as reservation of seats in the Legislatures and in the Government Service, waiving off a part or the whole of the fees for admission to schools and colleges, quotas in educational institutions, relaxation of upper age limits for applying to certain jobs, etc. To be able to avail these privileges, a citizen belonging to a Scheduled Caste must be in possession of a valid Caste Certificate.
The Legal Framework

The statutory lists of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, in pursuance of Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution, were notified for the first time under the Constitution (Schedule Castes) Order, 1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. These lists have been modified/amended/supplemented from time to time. On the reorganisation of the States, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes List (Modification) Order came into force from 29th October, 1956. Thereafter, a few other orders in respect of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes list in some individual States also came into force.

Know more about the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (External website that opens in a new window).
What You Need to Do to Get a Caste Certificate

The application forms are available either online or from the concerned local office in the City/Town/Village, which is usually the office of the SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) or of the Tehsil or Revenue Department. In case none of your family members have earlier been issued a Caste Certificate, a local enquiry is conducted before issuing the Certificate to you. Proof of residence in your State for a minimum specified period, an affidavit stating that you belong to a Scheduled Caste, and the specified court stamp fee are required at the time of application.

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HOW TO Obtain Marriage Certificate

What is a Marriage Certificate and Why is it Needed?

A Marriage Certificate is the proof of registration of a marriage. The need for a Marriage Certificate arises in case you need to prove that you are legally married to someone, for purposes like obtaining a passport, changing your maiden name, etc.
Legal Framework

In India, a marriage can be registered under either of the two Marriage Acts: the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (External website that opens in a new window) or the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (External website that opens in a new window). To be eligible for marriage, the minimum age limit is 21 for males and 18 for females. The parties to a Hindu marriage should be unmarried or divorced, or if previously married, the spouse by that marriage should not be alive. In addition, the parties should be physically and mentally healthy and must not be related in a way prohibited by the law.

The Hindu Marriage Act is applicable only to the Hindus, whereas the Special Marriage Act is applicable to all citizens of India.

The Hindu Marriage Act provides for registration of an already solemnised marriage. It does not provide for solemnisation of a marriage by the Registrar. The Special Marriage Act provides for solemnisation of a marriage as well as registration by a Marriage Officer.
What You Need to Do to Obtain a Marriage Certificate
Under the Hindu Marriage Act:

Parties to the marriage have to apply to the Registrar in whose jurisdiction the marriage is solemnised or to the Registrar in whose jurisdiction either party to the marriage has been residing at least for six months immediately preceding the date of marriage. Both the parties have to appear before the Registrar along with their parents or guardians or other witnesses within one month from the date of marriage. There is a provision for condonation of delay up to 5 years, by the Registrar, and thereafter by the District Registrar concerned.
Under the Special Marriage Act:

The parties to the intended marriage have to give a notice to the Marriage Officer in whose jurisdiction at least one of the parties has resided for not less than 30 days prior to the date of notice. It should be affixed at some conspicuous place in his office. If either of the parties is residing in the area of another Marriage Officer, a copy of the notice should be sent to him for similar publication. The marriage may be solemnised after the expiry of one month from the date of publication of the notice, if no objections are received. If any objections are received, the Marriage Officer has to enquire into them and take a decision either to solemnise the marriage or to refuse it. Registration will be done after solemnisation of the marriage.

Any marriage already celebrated can also be registered under the Special Marriage Act after giving a public notice of 30 days, subject to conditions. However, as stated above, the bridegroom and the bride must have completed 21 years and 18 years of age respectively.

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HOW TO Obtain Driving Licence

What is a Driving Licence and Why is it Necessary?

A Driving Licence is an official document certifying that the holder is suitably qualified to drive a motor vehicle or vehicles. Under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (External website that opens in a new window) in India, no person can drive a motor vehicle in any public place unless he holds a valid Driving Licence issued to him, authorising him to drive a vehicle of that particular category.

In India, two kinds of Driving Licences are issued: Learner's Licence and Permanent Licence. Learner's Licence is valid only for six months. Permanent Licence can be availed only after the expiry of one month from the date of issuance of the Learner's Licence.
What You Need to Do to Obtain a Driving Licence

A Learner's Licence is essential for obtaining a Permanent Licence. The eligibility for obtaining a Learner's Licence for a private motor vehicle for a vehicle of 50 CC engine capacity and without any gear, is 16 years (if the applicant's parents or guardians give their consent). The minimum age to apply for a permanent licence to drive a private motor vehicle is 18 years.

A person who is at least 20 years old and possesses a Learner's License can obtain a Licence for driving a commercial vehicle. Also, one has to be conversant with the traffic rules and regulations in all the cases.

For obtaining a Learner's Licence, you will need to apply in the prescribed format to the Local Transport Office in your region, along with your passport-sized photographs, proof of your age and residence, declaration of medical fitness and the required fee. After verification of your documents, you will have to go through the Learner's Test. Usually a handbook of traffic rules, signs and regulations is provided with the application form. On passing the Learner's Test, you will be issued a Learner's Licence. If you fail the test, you will be given a chance to take the test again.

For obtaining a Permanent Licence, you must have a valid Learner's Licence, and must apply after 30 days and within 180 days of issue of the Learner's Licence. You should be conversant about vehicle systems, driving, traffic rules regulations. You will be put through a driving test, for which you must bring a vehicle with you. On passing the test, you will be issued a Permanent Driving Licence.
International Driving Licence

The motor licensing authority also issues International Driving Licence to the citizens of India. Application for the International Driving Licence can be made to the licensing authority having jurisdiction over the area in which the holder of the driving licence ordinarily resides or carries on business, along with relevant documents. Citizens of India may drive in foreign countries with an International Driving Licence, which has the maximum validity of one year. Citizens are required to get their licence from the country they're visiting within one year period. Following documents are to be produced at the time of applying for an International Driving Permit :-

* Valid driving licence
* Attested copy of address proof
* Attested copy of Birth Certificate
* Valid passport
* Valid Visa
* Required Fees
* Two passport size photograph.

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Human Development Reports 2009

Human Development Reports 2009 on Kerala by
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

Human Development Report-Madapally PANCHAYAT

District Human Development Report Kannur

District Human Development Report 2009 Ernakulam district

District Human Development Report-Wayanad

District Human Development Report-Kottayam

Human Development Report 2009 by United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) on Kottathara PANCHAYAT

Courtesy: UNDP Cell ,Kerala State Planning Board

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