For years, Chitrakoot has been known locally for its mawa, or khoya, but that reputation is about to travel far beyond the district. The sweet has been picked as the signature product under Uttar Pradesh's One District One Dish, or ODOC, scheme, and the state government is now rolling out financial support for mawa-based businesses in the district. The goal is to help Chitrakoot's khoya trade reach markets across the country and abroad, with local entrepreneurs and new business owners set to benefit directly.
How much aid entrepreneurs can get, and on what basis
The scheme sets out tiered support depending on the size of the project. For a project worth up to Rs 25 lakh, entrepreneurs can get a subsidy of 25 percent of the cost or a maximum of Rs 6.25 lakh, whichever applies. For projects between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, the support drops to 20 percent, again capped at Rs 6.25 lakh. For larger ventures, those between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1.50 crore, the government will provide 10 percent of the project cost or up to Rs 10 lakh, whichever is applicable. This tiered structure means both small and large mawa businesses can get assistance suited to their scale.
The application process
Chandra Prakash Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Industries in Chitrakoot, said the scheme is designed to help mawa-based industries, businesses and new units get their operations off the ground. Entrepreneurs, institutions and new business owners in the district can apply online through the department's portal. Those interested need to visit the MSME department's website, fill out the application and upload the required documents before they can access the benefits.
Who is eligible to apply
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply under the scheme. Notably, there is no minimum educational qualification required, so applicants without formal schooling can also apply. However, one condition applies strictly, the applicant must not have already availed benefits under any other self-employment scheme run by the central or state government. Applicants will also need to submit an affidavit affirming they meet the eligibility conditions.
Extra provision for applicants from special categories
Applicants belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Class, minority, transgender, women and differently-abled categories will need to attach a certificate issued by a competent authority along with their online application. This is meant to verify their category status and make it easier for them to access the scheme's benefits. Traders looking for more details can contact their district industries office directly.
