FROM BOREWELLS TO BAKERIES

An ambitious scheme supporting entrepreneurs is transforming Uttar Pradesh's economic landscape

- BY PUJA AWASTHI

In a dusty field in Gorakhpur's Ramnagar Taal, Mahesh Kumar Nishad wipes the sweat from his brow as his borewell machine strikes water at 320ft. By the end of his second day of work in this field, he will have earned over ₹50,000—nearly 20 times what he was making just months ago.

His transformation began with a chance conversation. A bank manager, for whom Nishad had done boring work, mentioned CM YUVA—the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (Chief Minister's Youth Entrepreneur Development Campaign). The scheme promises collateral-free, guarantee-free, interest-free business loans for those even with modest qualifications. Its most vocal champion: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who speaks of it glowingly at every opportunity.

CM YUVA aims to create a cultural shift—turning job seekers to job creators. At 26, with only an intermediate education, Nishad embodies this shift. Like most youth in Uttar Pradesh, he had aimed for a government job, even applying for the armed forces, only to be met with disappointment. He ended up working as a labourer, operating borewell machines for others, often going days without work. The machine owner made money for every foot drilled, while Nishad earned a fixed wage. The future felt uncertain.

Then came CM YUVA. With the bank manager’s help, Nishad received ₹4.25 lakh. With his savings and borrowed money from relatives, he bought a borewell drilling machine for ₹7.5 lakh.