Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has launched a new Arunachal soft loan scheme aimed at empowering graduates of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. The initiative marks a major step toward addressing youth unemployment and promoting skill-based economic growth in the state.
Speaking during the launch event in Itanagar, CM Khandu emphasized that the scheme is part of the government’s vision to support technical education graduates who often struggle to find jobs in the formal sector. He stated that the government intends to transform skilled individuals into job creators rather than job seekers.
Read More: Tripura Leaders Discuss Future Development Path
The Arunachal soft loan scheme will provide financial assistance to ITI graduates who wish to start small-scale industries, workshops, or service-based businesses. It aims to reduce financial barriers and give young entrepreneurs the confidence to explore innovative business ideas.
Empowering Skilled Youth through Financial Support
The launch of the Arunachal soft loan scheme comes at a time when the government is prioritizing skill development as a key driver of economic progress. With many ITI graduates possessing valuable technical expertise, the challenge has often been a lack of access to funding and guidance.
Under the new scheme, eligible candidates will receive soft loans at minimal interest rates to start their ventures. The repayment period will also be extended to ensure ease of operation for young entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses. In addition, beneficiaries will receive mentorship support to help manage funds, develop business models, and sustain long-term growth.
Chief Minister Khandu expressed confidence that the initiative will strengthen the state’s self-employment ecosystem. He noted that empowering skilled youth with financial backing will encourage innovation and reduce dependency on government jobs, which remain limited.
The scheme has also been designed to align with the central government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering local industries and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
A Boost to Entrepreneurship in Arunachal Pradesh
Officials from the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship explained that the Arunachal soft loan scheme will be implemented in collaboration with state-run banks and financial institutions. The goal is to make loans accessible without excessive paperwork or collateral, especially for first-time business owners.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, a dedicated online portal will be set up for applications, approvals, and progress tracking. The government will monitor the outcomes to assess the number of jobs created and enterprises established under the initiative.
CM Khandu said that supporting ITI graduates was essential for balanced regional development. Many skilled youths from rural and remote districts migrate to urban areas in search of opportunities. By extending financial support locally, the government hopes to encourage them to start ventures in their home regions, which can also generate employment for others.
He added that the state’s youth possess immense talent and creativity, and with the right financial tools, they can contribute significantly to Arunachal’s economic growth.
Focus on Self-Reliance and Innovation
The Arunachal soft loan scheme also underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation among the younger generation. CM Khandu urged ITI graduates to explore emerging fields such as renewable energy, sustainable construction, automobile services, and electronics repair.
He pointed out that technical skills acquired through ITIs can open vast opportunities in these sectors. With proper financial backing, young entrepreneurs can establish enterprises that align with both market demand and environmental sustainability.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the government is developing incubation centers across districts to provide business development support. These centers will offer training on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and business management to help beneficiaries of the scheme build strong foundations for their ventures.
Encouraging Women Entrepreneurs
A special focus of the Arunachal soft loan scheme is to promote women-led enterprises. The Chief Minister emphasized that women entrepreneurs play a vital role in shaping the state’s economic and social fabric. Accordingly, the scheme reserves a portion of funds specifically for women ITI graduates who aspire to start their own businesses.
This inclusion aims to break traditional barriers and encourage women to pursue entrepreneurship in technical fields such as electrical, mechanical, and design-based trades. Government officials have also assured that women beneficiaries will receive additional support in terms of training, mentorship, and marketing assistance.
The emphasis on women’s empowerment within the scheme reflects Arunachal’s broader commitment to gender equality in education and employment.
Government’s Vision for a Skilled and Self-Reliant State
During the event, CM Khandu reiterated his government’s long-term vision to make Arunachal Pradesh a hub for skilled manpower in the Northeast. He stressed that the government’s focus is not only on skill training but also on providing a complete ecosystem that includes finance, mentorship, and market access.
He noted that the state has already taken steps to strengthen ITI infrastructure and introduce new trades that match market needs. The Arunachal soft loan scheme will serve as the next logical step by bridging the gap between skill acquisition and financial independence.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that, within a few years, many ITI graduates would establish successful enterprises and serve as role models for others. He urged financial institutions to extend full cooperation to make the scheme a success.
A Step Toward Inclusive Growth
The Arunachal soft loan scheme represents more than a financial initiative—it’s a commitment to inclusive development. By giving opportunities to technically skilled youth, the government is promoting entrepreneurship that benefits not only individuals but entire communities.
Experts believe that such programs will help diversify Arunachal’s economy, which has traditionally relied on agriculture and government employment. Encouraging local manufacturing and service-based industries could create a ripple effect of prosperity and innovation across districts.
As CM Pema Khandu concluded his address, he urged young ITI graduates to dream big and make the best use of this opportunity. With their skills, determination, and government support, Arunachal Pradesh is poised to witness a new wave of youth-led economic transformation.
Read More: PM Modi to Flag Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains from Varanasi Today