To provide employment to the BPL families and to improve the economic condition of the poor, a sum of Rs 102.37 lakh will be utilised in Kodagu district under Swarnajayanthi Grama Swarojgar Yojane (SGSY). Speaking to Deccan Herald, Zilla Panchayat Project Director Motappa said Rs 23 lakh has been earmarked for Madikeri taluk, Rs 41.70 lakh for Somwarpet taluk and Rs 37.67 lakh for Virajpet taluk. For Swarnajayanthi Grama Swarojgar Yojane, the Centre and State provides its share on the basis of 75:25 ratio. The project will provide emphasis on training rural artisans in improving their efficiency. Marketing facilities will be provided for the products produced by Swarojgar scheme. BPL family members within the age group of 18 to 60 years can avail the benefits of the scheme. Those who have taken assistance under the scheme will be called Swarojgari. Priority will also be given to the benefciries who are the members of Self-Help Groups, he added. The scheme includes both SGSY loan and financial assistance. Depending on the activities being carried out by the Swarojgari or depending on the project cost, loans will be provided from commericail banks or co-operative banks or regional rural banks. The rules of the RBI is applicable for the loans. For the individual, swarojgari from SC/ST community will ger 30 per cent or maximum of Rs 7,500 as financial assistance. If the swarojgari is physically challenged, then he/she will get a financial assistance of Rs 10,000, Motappa informed. A group of 10 BPL swarojgaris will get maximum financial assistance of Rs one lakh, a group with 13 BPL swarojgaris will get maximum assistance of Rs 1.25 lakh. Under SGSRY, minimum five years time is given for the repayment of the loan. Under the project, it has been decided to provide 50 per cent of the total project to SC/ST, 40 per cent to women, 15 per cent to minorities, and 3 per cent for physically challenged. Before disbursing the loan, two days refresher course will be given to the Swarojgaris. In case of necessity, even technical training will also be given. Motappa said it has been decided to constitute 708 group swarojgaris to disburse the amount under the project in the district.