Bhopal, May 4: As many as 2.99 lakh self-help groups have been constituted so in the state under Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana. Out of these, one lakh self-help groups have been formed by women. These self-help groups have been provided loans and subsidies to the tune of Rs 938.90 crore for establishing their own employment.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rustam Singh said that the objective of the scheme is to bring rural BPL families above the poverty line during a stipulated time limit by giving them economic assistance. After formation of a self-help group its members are imparted necessary training and then provided economic assistance. Among the beneficiaries of the scheme 50 percent belong to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, 40 percent women and three percent handicapped persons.

Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana is conducted through Panchayati Raj institutions. Beneficiaries are selected as per approval of Gram Panchayat. The list of selected beneficiaries is sent to development block office and Janpad Panchayat. The loan cases of beneficiaries are prepared and forwarded to banks by the development block office or Janpad Panchayat. Cash payment is made by the banks to the beneficiaries after sanction of loan. Banks dispose of the loan cases within 15 days as per Citizens' Charter.