CRAFTING WORLD LEADERS WITH EDPs
With the aim to promote entrepreneurship, government has taken up several Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs). Gandharv Walia explores
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy over the last few decades. MSMEs not only play a crucial role in providing large employment opportunities at comparatively low capital cost than large industries but also help in industrialisation of rural and backward areas, thereby, reducing regional imbalances, assuring more equitable distribution of national income and wealth. MSMEs are complementary to big industries as ancillary units and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (M/o MSME) promotes the development of micro and small enterprises in the country with the objective of creating selfemployment opportunities and upgrading the relevant skills of existing and potential entrepreneurs. In order to promote establishment of new enterprises and creation of new entrepreneurs, M/o MSME has been implementing various schemes and programmes.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
promotion of micro and small enterprises, particularly, the first generation entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship, and resultant creation of employment and wealth, is a major mean for inclusive development. Hence, entrepreneurship development has been one of the priorities in countries, the world over.
The Office of DC (MSME) conducts a large number of vocational and entrepreneurship development programmes. While vocational training is implemented by various departments of the government, the responsibility of entrepreneurship development lies largely with this office. The Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) are conducted through MSME-DIs, with focus on entrepreneurial development coupled with specific skills relating to trades, such as electronics, electrical, food processing, etc, which enable the trainees to start their own ventures. The programmes covered include Industrial Motivation Campaigns (IMCs), Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs), Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDPs) and Management Development Programmes (MDPs).
These programmes are of short duration and the curriculum is designed based on the needs of the industry and are customised, if required by the clients. Twenty per cent of the targeted EDP and ESDP of the duration of two weeks and six weeks, respectively, are conducted exclusively for the weaker sections of the society (SC /ST/women/physically handicapped), for which no fee is charged. Besides, a stipend of Rs 125 per week per candidate is provided.
ASSISTANCE UNDER SCHEME
The details of the programmes under the scheme and the scale of assistance to be provided to MSME-DIs are at para-F.
The course contents of the Entrepreneurship Development Programmes are designed to provide useful information on product or process design, manufacturing practices involved, testing and quality control, selection and usage of appropriate machinery and equipment, project profile preparation, marketing avenues or techniques, etc.
Courses conducted under ESDPs are in machine shop practice, heat treatments, electroplating, sheet metal, welding, tool and die making, glass and ceramics, industrial and art wares, herbal cosmetics, fashion garments, information technology, soap and detergents, etc.