Rural Business Hubs to Promote Rural Products

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme of Rural Business Hubs (RBHs) for promoting manufacturing of products using raw materials / skills available in the rural areas. The scheme works on a 4-P (Public-Private-Panchayat-Partnership) model and is applicable in all the BRGF districts and all the districts in the North-Eastern Region. Setting up of RBHs is primarily done through convergence of resources from various ongoing schemes.

The assistance under the RBH scheme is available for professional support services, training/skill development and for purchase of minor equipment. RBH is a demand driven scheme and, therefore, no targets can be fixed under the scheme. There is no State-wise allocation of funds. The financial assistance is provided to the Implementing Agencies in two instalments keeping in view the viability of their projects and proper utilization of the funds released. The revised guidelines of the scheme are available on the website of this Ministry (www.panchayat.gov.in).