Women-led rural enterprises to get IIT Bhubaneswar support in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, June 8
The Odisha Livelihoods Mission on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Bhubaneswar to support the growth of rural women-led enterprises across the state.
According to an official statement, an incubation programme is being launched under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) through the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) to support growth-oriented rural enterprises across Odisha.
The statement added that IIT Bhubaneswar will serve as the incubation partner for the initiative.
Through the collaboration, rural women entrepreneurs will receive support in business planning, product development, quality enhancement, market linkages, access to finance and professional networking.
As per the guidelines of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), at least 150 growth-oriented rural enterprises will be supported through the incubation process over the next three years.
The Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved an expenditure of Rs 10.70 crore for the programme.
In the first phase, Rs 99 lakh has been sanctioned to IIT Bhubaneswar for implementation of the initiative.
"The incubation programme is expected to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state and pave the way for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to transform into small and medium enterprises. The identified SHG enterprises will be supported in obtaining Udyam registration and other mandatory compliances and certifications required for enterprise establishment. IIT Bhubaneswar will also assist in securing patents and process certifications to create unique identities for select products from Odisha," the state government said.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that the government is committed not only to making women employable but also to nurturing them as successful entrepreneurs.
"The collaboration with a premier institution like IIT Bhubaneswar has opened new avenues of opportunity for SHG women. Through technical guidance and advanced training, they will be able to position their products at national and international levels," Parida said.
She described the initiative as a milestone in the journey towards a "Viksit Odisha" and a major step towards boosting women's confidence and economic empowerment.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a woman from a small town in Odisha, this news makes me emotional. We have so many talented women making pickles, papads, and handicrafts but they struggle to scale up. IIT's support for patents and certifications is a game-changer. But I hope the implementation is smooth and reaches the ground level, not just stays on paper. Looking forward to seeing our 'Odisha Special' products on international shelves one day! 🌟
This is a positive step but let's be realistic - 150 enterprises in 3 years is a drop in the ocean for a state like Odisha. The real challenge will be in creating a sustainable ecosystem where these women don't just receive training but also get consistent market access and fair prices. I hope the IIT team doesn't just treat this as a checkbox project. Genuine mentorship and long-term handholding are crucial. Let's keep an eye on the actual outcomes.
IITs getting involved in grassroots development - now that's what we call 'jugaad to innovation'! My mother was part of an SHG and I've seen firsthand how tough it is to get their products certified. This MoU will save so many women from middlemen exploitation. Deputy CM Pravati Parida seems genuinely committed. Just wish the Rs 10.70 crore reaches the actual women entrepreneurs and not end up in some contractor's pocket. Fingers crossed! 🤞
This is such an empowering move! 🌸 In a state where many women are still confined to household work, initiatives like these can transform lives. The focus on Udyam registration and patents is particularly smart because that's what creates real brand value. I just hope the selection process is transparent and reaches women in remote parts of Odisha, not just those near Bhubaneswar. True empowerment begins when every village woman gets an equal opportunity! 🌍
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