The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has introduced the Women Entrepreneurship Program, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. This program is launched in collaboration with Britannia Industries Limited and aims to provide comprehensive support to women in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Key Features of the Program
- Partnership with Britannia Industries: The initiative will offer financial grants and feature products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub.
- Support from Government Officials: Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of partnerships in promoting women entrepreneurship.
- Focus on Skill Training: Under various programs like Jan Shikshan Sansthan and PMKVY, a significant percentage of trainees are women, indicating a strong focus on women’s skill development.
Program Components
- Entrepreneurship Courses:
- Self-Learning Courses: Complimentary courses in multiple languages on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
- Certification: Co-branded certificates from NSDC, Britannia Industries, and NIESBUD upon course completion.
- Target Audience: Aims to empower approximately 25 lakh women across India.
- Business Presentation and Grants:
- Grand Finale: Top 50 contestants will present their business ideas to a distinguished jury.
- Financial Grants: Britannia Industries will award 10 lakh rupees each to 10 successful contestants.
Supporting Women-Led Entrepreneurship
Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC & MD, NSDC International, highlighted the alignment of this program with the Prime Minister’s vision for women development. He stressed the collaboration between private and public sectors in fostering women’s entrepreneurial ambitions.
Key Figures and Supporters
- Government Representatives: Ms. Trishaljit Sethi, DG, Directorate General of Training, Ms. Sonal Mishra, and Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretaries in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- Britannia Industries: Shri Rajneet Singh Kohli, CEO and Executive Director, spoke about Britannia’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Implementation Phases
- Phase 1: Online Self-Learning Courses:
- Topics Covered: Entrepreneurial skills, enterprise setup, finance basics, digital skills, and market analysis.
- Languages: Available in multiple languages for broader accessibility.
- Phase 2: Incubation Support:
- Support for Contestants: Robust incubation support for 10,000 shortlisted contestants across 100 business models.
- Business Assistance: Includes business model selection, development programs, industrial workshops, and funding guidance.
- E-commerce Platform: Participants’ products and services will be featured on SIDH’s e-commerce platform, UdhyamKart, and Britannia’s digital ecosystem.
Long-Term Impact
NSDC will conduct periodic impact assessments to ensure the success and sustainability of the supported businesses. This initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to India’s economic advancement.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary goal of the Women Entrepreneurship Program by NSDC?
- a) To reduce unemployment
- b) To empower women entrepreneurs and address their unique challenges
- c) To promote digital literacy
- d) To support large corporations
- Which company is partnering with NSDC for the Women Entrepreneurship Program?
- a) Tata Industries
- b) Britannia Industries Limited
- c) Infosys
- d) Wipro
- What will participants receive upon completing the self-learning courses on the Skill India Digital Hub?
- a) A financial grant
- b) A job offer
- c) A co-branded certificate
- d) Free products
- How many women does the program aim to empower across India?
- a) 10 lakh
- b) 15 lakh
- c) 20 lakh
- d) 25 lakh
- What kind of support will the shortlisted contestants receive in the incubation phase?
- a) Free housing
- b) Robust incubation support for their business models
- c) International scholarships
- d) Personal loans