THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To ensure the proper utilisation of funds of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), an exhaustive inspection has been mooted by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in the state. The first phase, to verify the functioning of the khadi units started during 2009-10 is nearing completion. An agency competent to conduct physical verification will be appointed again to find out whether the units started in 2010-11 are self-employment oriented.KVIC deputy director V Radhakrishnan said that the basic idea is to ensure proper fund utilisation by these units. As part of the programme, KVIC provides subsidy to start khadi units.Around 35 per cent of the total amount will be given as subsidy for the weaker sections, SC/ST and ex-servicemen. However, in the general category, the subsidy will be 25 per cent.‘’During the initial phase of the inspection it was revealed that around 80 per cent of the funds had been utilised properly. Recovery proceedings have been initiated against those who have not used the subsidy amount properly’’, Radhakrishnan said.Around 1737 units were started in Kerala during 2010-11 and 32 in Lakshadweep. The majority are small-scale units with a capital of less than Rs 25 lakh.The PMEGP programme in Kerala has shown positive results with most of the units able to market their products on their own. As part of ensuring that the products will not be dumped in the units, KVIC has taken efforts to market them too.A web portal has been started by KVIC where the list of produce of each unit can be uploaded. A small description of the products of the 120 units are also being uploaded on the website. As part of marketing khadi products, exhibitions are conducted in all the districts where the PMEGP units are informed in advance. These units can market their products through the sales counters and till now no complaints about unsold products had been reported. The private agency for performance audit in khadi units will be finalised through a bid by a committee of KVIC.
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