A Step towards Inclusive Growth….....
Entrepreneurship Development Project for SC Youth Gets Inaugurated
Chief Guest Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State inaugurated the first Entrepreneurship Development Programme for SC Youth under the project to train 750 youths of the state in Entrepreneurship and as Small Assistant Managers. Also present on the occasion were Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat, Shri D. S. Gadhvi, IAS, Managing Director, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat, Shri Prakash Solanki, IAS, Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director – EDII.
This project involves a series of 20 residential programmes on entrepreneurship development and 10 residential Small Industry Management Assistant Programmes (SIMAP). While the former will target training 500 youths in setting up and managing own enterprise; the latter will ensure imparting skillsets to 250 youths so that they become employable. In all 250 enterprises are expected to be established with employment generation for around 1000 people over a period of time. Investment mobilization expected by these 300 units is to the tune of Rs. 10 to 12 crore over a period of time. The duration of each programme is 4 weeks with participants from across districts of Gujarat. The programmes are sponsored by Scheduled Caste Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
EDII has been roped in as the implementing agency.
The Chief Guest Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State, Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar beckoned all to take advantage of learning and setting up own enterprises. The Chief Guest congratulated the participants for having chosen to get trained. He said, “Skills are the biggest assets one can possess and it is heartening to note that we are now giving it the importance that it deserves. Your skills will make you indispensable and you will be one of the important individuals to steer growth in this industrialized state of Gujarat. While the policies and strategies of the Government are well in pace with the changing trends; your knowledge, skills and attitude will further help you make the maximum of opportunities. This is the first attempt at entrepreneurship by my department and I am sure it will be successful. ”
Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat, in his address said,“ It is a historical day as we have taken a major step to promote inclusive growth. As far as industrial output is concerned, Gujarat is a leader in the country and it is high time that all sections of the community equally participate in this growth. I am glad that this programme is a stride in this direction. Entrepreneurship is needed today, more than ever before, to orient youths to participate in this growth story. The project has two aspects- one, to promote entrepreneurship and second, to create small enterprise managers who can be employed. Both the programmes will complement each other. So I urge the youths to benefit from this training and make a mark not just in Gujarat but also in India.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII said, “India is moving up the ladder of growth. Inclusive growth is the target of the nation and it is heartening to note that efforts are getting geared up from all significant quarters to achieve this mandate. Gujarat is also proactively pursuing this agenda. Efforts are directed towards bringing the disadvantaged sections into the mainstream by creating result-oriented training platforms and networks so that long term impact of these efforts is noticeable. These openings are certain to create more choices that place them on a levelled pedestal. Entrepreneurship is a proven form of empowerment, as alongside training on setting up and managing business, it promotes self-determination and the confidence to take control of one’s future. EDII is happy to contribute on this front.”
Briefing the house about the Project, Faculty – EDII and Project Director, Mr. S. B. Sareen said, “The programme will help SC youth with latent entrepreneurial potential to get trained in all aspects of New Enterprise Creation and ultimately float their business. Also, those already in business but have not had the benefit of formal training can benefit. In addition, youths will be trained to provide managerial services in MSMEs. In all, 900 youths will be trained; comprising 600 in Entrepreneurship and 300 as Small Industries Management Assistants.
The function concluded with Vote of thanks by Faculty-EDII, Shri P. Solanki.

Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State delivering the inaugural address at the inaugural function of the first Entrepreneurship Development Programme for SC Youth under the mega project to train 750 youths in entrepreneurship and as Small Industries Management Assistants. Also seen on the dais are (from R – L) Shri D. S. Gadhvi, IAS, Managing Director, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat; Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director – EDII and Shri Prakash Solanki, IAS, Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare.

Seen during the inauguration ceremony is the (in the center) Chief Guest Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State along with (from R – L) Shri D. S. Gadhvi, IAS, Managing Director, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat; Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director – EDII and Shri Prakash Solanki, IAS, Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare.
Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar lighting the ceremonial lamp at the inauguration ceremony.