From Trainee to Employer: Ajit Raj Scales Eye Care in Siddharthnagar
Siddharthnagar resident Ajit Raj leveraged the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana to equip his optical practice and create local jobs
In Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, optometrist and founder-owner Ajit Raj is proving how a small state-backed credit line, paired with skills and grit, can seed a sustainable business.
In a conversation with YourStory , he traced his journey from trainee to employer, and how a social media reel nudged him towards formal finance.
Early training and a hometown bet
Raj, who hails from Majhwan Kala village in Siddharthnagar, pursued an optometry course after completing Class 12. Following internship and four years of practical training, he set up a modest optical practice close to home.
He has now been at the trade for about seven years, building a steady clientele for eye testing and affordable eyewear.
The spark, he says, came from observing large city showrooms and wanting to bring similar, reliable services to what he calls a relatively underserved district.
Determined to grow without leaving his hometown, he began looking for ways to finance equipment and expand offerings.
Discovery on Instagram, decision at the district office
According to Raj, the turning point arrived while scrolling through Instagram reels, where he first came across references to the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana. He then verified the details on the portal and followed up at the district Udyami Vikas Bhawan.
The application, he recalls, was straightforward and aligned with the needs of first-time micro-entrepreneurs.
As per his account, the facility carries no interest if repayments are made on time. He adds that interest may apply after four years in case of delays.
He used this financial assistance to fill gaps in his workshop, particularly machines he lacked, which allowed him to deliver better and faster service.
A significant change Raj says the funds did three simple but significant things for his day-to-day operations.
- Equipment upgrades: He could procure essential machines to complete eye-testing and fitting in-house, reducing dependence on outside vendors.
- Cash-flow breathing room: Routine expenses, from rent to consumables, became easier to manage while the business scaled.
- Local jobs: He hired two to three young assistants, creating employment while maintaining service quality.
The changes, he notes, have improved household stability. Earlier he was dependent on employers and monthly wages often felt insufficient.
Now, steady earnings help cover basic expenses, and the workshop supports other families too.
From dependency to dignity
The optometrist’s goal is modest and concrete, reliable eye care at the mohalla level. Raj says the state support, combined with his own savings, allowed him to formalise and expand without relocating.
The outcome is visible, quicker turnarounds, predictable income, and a team that is gaining on-the-job skills.
His message to peers is straightforward. If you have a viable plan but lack capital, evaluate government schemes carefully and apply with complete documentation.
In his experience, the portal-driven process is clear, approvals are time-bound, and the funds can be put to productive use immediately.
For Raj, the journey from trainee to employer encapsulates a simple idea. With basic credit, the right tools, and accountability, micro-enterprises in small districts can thrive.
It is a blueprint he hopes more youth will try, one optical frame and one apprenticeship at a time.
What is CM YUVA Scheme?
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji, the state government aims to transform youth from job seekers into job creators.
To achieve this vision, the Directorate of Industries and Enterprise Promotion, under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion, is implementing the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’ (CM YUVA) Yojana.
Under this scheme, young entrepreneurs are provided with up to Rs 5 lakh in 100% interest-free and collateral-free loans to start their industrial or service-based ventures. In addition, beneficiaries also receive a 10% margin money subsidy on the project cost.
CM YUVA is not just a financial assistance scheme; it also provides mentorship, guidance, market access, and essential resources to help youth become self-reliant entrepreneurs and generate employment opportunities for others.
Click here to know more about the CM YUVA Scheme.