Swavalambini Initiative Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast

Empowering Women

Swavalambini Initiative Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast: The launch of Swavalambini on February 7, 2025, by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and NITI Aayog marks a major step toward strengthening women’s participation in business in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. The initiative aims to equip women with entrepreneurial skills and provide them with structured training, mentorship, and financial access. It directly targets women in higher education institutions and aims to promote economic inclusion in the Northeast.

Structured Training

Swavalambini will be implemented in select higher education institutions such as Gauhati University, NEHU, Mizoram University, and Dispur College. The training follows a three-tier model—an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) for 600 students, a 40-hour Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for 300 selected students, and six months of mentorship to help these women launch and sustain their business ventures. The approach ensures hands-on learning and practical exposure.

Educator Support

To make the initiative sustainable, the program also focuses on faculty development. A five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) will help professors and lecturers learn entrepreneurship pedagogy and coaching strategies. This effort aims to create in-house experts who can continue to guide aspiring entrepreneurs even after the initial program cycle ends, thereby building a long-term support system.

Celebrating Success

Swavalambini includes an Award to Rewards initiative that acknowledges the achievements of successful women entrepreneurs. This recognition acts as motivation for others, creating a ripple effect in college campuses and local communities. It ensures visibility for women’s contributions and promotes entrepreneurship as a respectable and viable career path for young women.

Government Backing

This initiative aligns with key national programs like Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, and PM Mudra Yojana, all of which aim to enhance access to credit and business support. The Union Budget 2025 has further supported these efforts by allocating ₹10,000 crore to the startup sector and extending 100% tax exemption on startup profits for another five years. These measures reflect the government’s deepening commitment to empowering women through entrepreneurship.

Policy Integration

Swavalambini reflects the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes skill-based learning and institutional-industry collaboration. By incorporating entrepreneurship into the educational journey of women in the Northeast, this program not only offers career opportunities but also strengthens the region’s economic fabric through grassroots enterprise development.

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