In Mau, a small machining workshop keeps local engines running

In the village of Nasirpur in Mau district, Uttar Pradesh, Azad Kumar has quietly built a business that keeps engines running across nearby towns and villages. Operating from Tazepur’s Sukha Patti area along the main road, his workshop, Azad Engineering, specialises in what is locally known as “kharad” or cutting job work — precision machining and engine reconditioning for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, submersible pumps, and select four-wheelers.

Kumar’s work begins where mechanical failure leaves off. When a bike runs without adequate engine oil and the engine seizes, or when a crankshaft begins making a grinding noise, mechanics bring the dismantled parts to his shop. There, damaged components such as crankshafts, connecting rods, and bearings are mounted on specialised machines. Kumar  performs cutting, resizing and polishing, restores standard measurements, fits new pistons or bearings where required, and prepares the parts for reassembly. Once returned to the service centre, the mechanic reinstalls the repaired engine for the customer.

Learning the craft, step by step

Kumar  did not enter the trade overnight. He spent four years in Pune learning the same line of work, followed by another four years practising in Mau. His training was shaped largely by his mentor, who not only taught him machining techniques but also instilled the confidence to eventually start out independently.

“He would tell me that one day I would have to rely on myself and support a family,” Kumar recalls.

Encouraged by his guru and backed by his father, who works as a mechanic and introduced him to local contacts, Kumar  began planning his own shop. In 2025, after nearly eight years of hands-on experience, he formally opened Azad Engineering. The first six months, he says, were about stabilising operations and building trust among mechanics in the area.

Financing growth with structured support

Machining is a capital-intensive trade. Beyond spare parts inventory, high-value equipment is essential. Kumar  needed advanced machines — including one costing nearly Rs 2.5 lakh — without which a significant portion of repair work would remain incomplete.

Initially, his family contributed around Rs 5 lakh to support the setup. However, total investment requirements exceeded Rs 10 lakh, including stock and machinery. At this stage, a neighbour advised him to explore the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana.

After submitting documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank passbook and residence proof, his loan application was processed. Within 10–15 days, he received approval for a Rs 5 lakh loan. According to Kumar, the scheme’s interest-free structure and subsidy component made it far more viable than commercial loans, where interest rates can significantly inflate repayment amounts.

With the loan, he procured essential machinery and expanded his inventory. Today, the total value of goods in his workshop stands at approximately Rs 7–8 lakh, excluding equipment.

Looking ahead

Currently operating independently, Kumar  plans to hire one or two employees as the workload increases. His long-term aim is to scale operations gradually, repay the principal amount in full, and reinvest profits to expand services.

From a learner in a mentor’s workshop to the proprietor of Azad Engineering, Kumar’s journey reflects the steady progression of skill-based entrepreneurship. In a district where affordability matters, his machining work ensures that customers can repair rather than replace expensive engine components — keeping both vehicles and livelihoods moving forward.

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.