Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today launched 30 Entrepreneurship Development Centers (EDCs) across the northeastern region at the “Northeast Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Conclave 2024” held at IIM Shillong.
The initiative aims to empower youth by fostering entrepreneurial skills through the establishment of 30 EDCs and four Incubation Centers (ICs) across northeastern states. This project combines infrastructure development with soft interventions such as “90 entrepreneurship awareness programs, 90 entrepreneurship development programs, and 40 faculty development programs,” targeting the creation of “900 startups across the region.” The initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision for a self-reliant Northeast.
In his address, Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the resurgence of the Northeast, stating, “Our Northeastern States, over the past decade, have experienced a resurgence, reclaiming their position of prominence. The government’s focus on the ‘Act Fast for North East and Act First for North East’ policy has enabled the region to emerge as a key contributor across various sectors.” He further noted the region’s potential for economic growth: “With improved connectivity and a rising pool of educated youth, all eight states are experiencing double-digit growth, which will contribute significantly to India’s five trillion economy goal.”
Chaudhary also stressed the importance of skill development for India’s future, adding, “With a unified vision for India 2047, we are re-engineering our approach to elevate our ITIs, embrace public-private partnerships, and nurture world-class champions through skill development and entrepreneurship.”
The event, attended by ministers from northeastern states, industry experts, and academicians, highlighted strategies to harness regional youth potential through skill development and entrepreneurship. Leaders discussed “best practices from their respective states,” emphasizing the importance of “creating a robust skill development framework tailored to the region’s unique cultural and economic landscape.”