In a move to aid local artisan and crafts, under the Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi, “Entrepreneurship Development Fortnight” is being organized in all the districts from July 1 to July 15 with the aim of promoting rural entrepreneurship. The programme organized by the Ministry of Rural Development was inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, NN Sinha through online mode.

With the aim of making women associated with Sakhi Mandal successful entrepreneurs, district and block level programs are being organized by Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society, Rural Development Department from July 1 to July 15 in Jharkhand. Under the Aajeevika Mission, an initiative is being taken to connect rural women with entrepreneurship, while accelerating the implementation of various activities of non-farm livelihood, so that the rural economy can be strengthened.

Sinha directed the officers of Aajeevika Mission to ensure branding, marketing and quality control of all products manufactured by rural women. He said that in order to achieve the goal of poverty alleviation, there is a need to train rural women as well as connect them with the enterprise. There is also a need to train women by exploring the possibilities in agriculture and plastic waste management and processing, medical etc.

The Secretary also directed to connect the products of rural women to the larger market through e-commerce. Under Startup Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP) and Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (RSETI), financial assistance and training is also being provided to women to make them successful entrepreneurs.

Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Anita Praveen who was present in the program said that now rural women are also trying their hand in industries like Micro Food Processing Center, which is commendable.

Officials of the Ministry of Rural Development, officers of Aajeevika Mission from across the country and women of Sakhi Mandal were present in the programme.