Unable to Secure a Job, Bihar Youth Takes Loan to Start His Business; Now Earns Rs 10 Lakh Annually

The adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way” has been vividly illustrated by a local entrepreneur from Bihar’s Jehanabad district. Kundan Kumar, from Sikariya village, graduated in 2010 and spent the next 6-7 years diligently searching for employment without success. Opting to forge his path, Kumar embarked on a business venture instead.

In 2020, Kumar started his paver block business with a loan of Rs 25 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program (PMEGP). Today, his annual turnover stands between Rs 8 and Rs 10 lakh. After repaying the initial loan, Kumar secured an additional Rs 1 crore from the government to expand his operations. His business now supports 10 to 15 employees.

During a visit by Local 18, Kumar shared insights about his entrepreneurial journey. “I chose to start a business rather than pursue a job because I believed there was less competition in creating jobs for others,” he explained. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kumar’s business thrived, producing 3,000 to 4,000 paver blocks daily, which are supplied across Jehanabad district.

Kumar highlighted the ease of securing a loan through the PMEGP scheme, provided that all documents are in order. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to consult the Industry Department and the General Manager there, as loans are available for around 150 types of businesses, with a minimum qualification of Class 12 required.

Reflecting on his journey, Kumar noted the significant impact of the scheme: “I pursued the second loan for a year and a half, fulfilling all conditions, and got Rs 1 crore, a rare achievement among five districts. The interest rate is 12%, with a 15% subsidy available.”

Kumar’s paver blocks, made from ballast dust, help prevent slippery surfaces, offering a practical solution for road construction and paving. His perseverance through tough times has paid off, and he is now using the new loan to further expand his manufacturing unit.

Kumar hopes his success will inspire others in Bihar, noting that while many have benefited from PMEGP, Jehanabad had not seen such utilisation in 15 years.