Swavalambini: Boosting Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched ‘Swavalambini’, a new initiative focused on women entrepreneurship in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Announced on February 7, 2025, this program aims to equip women with essential business skills, mentorship, and financial support to help them start and sustain their own ventures.

The initiative is being implemented in select Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), offering structured training programs to develop a strong base for women entrepreneurs. By focusing on skill-building and ecosystem support, ‘Swavalambini’ is expected to significantly boost the participation of women in the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.

How Will ‘Swavalambini’ Benefit Women Entrepreneurs?

The program will be executed across institutions such as Gauhati University, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Kiang Nangba Government College, RiBhoi College, Mizoram University, Government Champai College, Lunglei Government College, Handique College, and Dispur College. The initiative follows a stage-wise approach that includes awareness, training, mentorship, and funding assistance.

• Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session for 600 female students to introduce them to the basics of entrepreneurship.
• Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): A 40-hour training for 300 selected students, covering key areas such as business skills, market access, compliance, and financial support.
• Mentorship Support: Post-training, participants will receive six months of mentorship to help turn their ideas into successful businesses.

What Role Does Faculty Development Play in This Initiative?

To ensure long-term impact, ‘Swavalambini’ also focuses on training faculty members in participating institutions. A five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) will provide educators with industry knowledge and coaching techniques. This will help them guide future entrepreneurs effectively.

Additionally, an ‘Award to Rewards’ initiative will recognize and celebrate successful women entrepreneurs, inspiring others to follow suit. This structured approach ensures that both students and educators benefit from the program, creating a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem.

How Is the Government Supporting This Program?

‘Swavalambini’ aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote women-led entrepreneurship under initiatives such as Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, PM Mudra Yojana, and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform. The Union Budget 2025 has reinforced this commitment by:

• Allocating a ₹10,000 crore fund for start-ups.
• Extending the 100% tax exemption on start-up profits for another five years.

This initiative also ties into the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes skill development and industry collaboration. By focusing on the Northeast region, ‘Swavalambini’ aims to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of women, leading to sustainable economic growth.

Summary of the news