From unstable income to cyber cafe: Ambedkar Nagar’s digital hub

Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Village Daudpur in Tehsil Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar district, did not begin his journey as a business owner. He describes his earlier financial condition as unstable, with limited income and few opportunities for growth. While browsing YouTube on his mobile phone, he came across information about an interest-free loan scheme for young entrepreneurs and began to consider whether self-employment could offer greater stability.

After gathering details online, he visited the District Industries Centre to understand the process. He submitted documents including his Aadhaar card, PAN card, photographs, and educational certificates.

Following verification and bank procedures, he received a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh and opened a cyber cafe named Vyam Janseva Kendra at Navtariya Mustafabad, Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar district. The shop has been operational for nearly a year.

“Customers are like God to us; it is our duty to complete their work patiently,” he says.

A local centre for everyday paperwork

Vyam Janseva Kendra functions as a small digital services outlet, assisting residents with routine documentation and online applications. The shop offers services such as Aadhaar and residence certificates, electricity bill payments, photocopying, passport-related paperwork, ration card applications, PAN card services, and pension-related documentation, including disability certificates and pensions.

Located on Basak Road in Navtariya Mustafabad, the centre draws customers from nearby villages within a radius of two to ten kilometres. Kumar says that many visitors come through word of mouth, particularly those who are unfamiliar with online procedures and require assistance navigating government portals.

He used the loan amount to purchase essential equipment, including a printer and computer system, and to set up the shop infrastructure, such as counters and basic fittings. The funds also helped cover initial electricity and operational expenses. According to him, the support from the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana enabled him to start the business without the burden of immediate interest payments.

Gradual expansion in mind

Kumar currently manages the shop and says it has provided employment to several people over time, while also offering local access to essential services. The steady footfall, he notes, has helped him maintain regular turnover and meet repayment obligations.

Looking ahead, he plans to expand the shop’s capacity once the existing loan under CM YUVA Yojana is repaid. He intends to reapply, subject to eligibility and credit score, to scale up operations and add more services.

For Kumar, the shift from financial uncertainty to running a neighbourhood service centre has not been immediate or dramatic. Instead, it has been a gradual process of paperwork, approvals and daily customer interaction. The shop now stands as a modest but stable source of income, reflecting how early constraints have slowly given way to a more predictable routine in Ambedkar Nagar district.

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.