Swavalambini Programme In Northeast To Integrate Skills With Industry Per NEP 2020

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Feb 8 (KNN) The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with NITI Aayog to introduce Swavalambini, a comprehensive women entrepreneurship program targeting three northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.

The initiative, launched across nine higher education institutions, aims to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students through structured training and support.

Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary, who oversees both the MSDE and Ministry of Education, inaugurated the program virtually alongside Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari and other ministry officials.

The program encompasses prestigious institutions including Gauhati University, North-Eastern Hill University, and Mizoram University, among several other colleges.

The Swavalambini program implements a multi-tiered approach to entrepreneurship development. It begins with a two-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme for 600 students, followed by an intensive 40-hour training course for 300 selected participants.

In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on skill integration and industry collaboration, the initiative also includes a five-day Faculty Development Programme.

This component aims to equip educators with current industry insights and business incubation strategies, enabling them to effectively guide aspiring entrepreneurs.

The program builds upon existing government initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, such as Start-Up India and PM Mudra Yojana.

The comprehensive curriculum covers essential business aspects including finance, market linkages, legal compliance, and networking opportunities, supplemented by six months of mentorship support.

It coincides with recent budget announcements for the 2025 fiscal year, which include a 10,000 crore fund for startups and an extension of tax exemptions on startup profits. The initiative's success metrics target a 10 per cent conversion rate of trainees into successful business owners.

Through its Award to Rewards Initiative, Swavalambini will recognise successful women entrepreneurs emerging fr0m the program, aiming to inspire future generations of female business leaders.

This structured approach to nurturing women-led enterprises represents a significant step toward enhancing economic participation of women in India's northeastern region.

(KNN Bureau)

MENAFN08022025000155011030ID1109183819