NEW DELHI: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, launched Swavalambini— a Women Entrepreneurship Programme at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, taking a significant step towards strengthening women entrepreneurship in India.
This initiative aims to empowers female students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by providing them with the necessary entrepreneurial mindset, resources, and mentorship to successfully build and scale their ventures.
“The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme is an initiative aimed at empowering young women with the skills and confidence needed to establish their own businesses. We want to move to women-led development initiatives,” Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and MoS for Education Jayant Chaudhary said at the launch of the programe.
“Women’s empowerment is not just an economic necessity but a social transformation. When a woman is empowered, she uplifts her family, her community, and the entire nation,” he said.
The SWAVALAMBINI marks a significant leap in empowering women entrepreneurs, paving the way for bold new ventures!
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State, Ministry of Education,… pic.twitter.com/gTpDYYzem0
— Skill India (@MSDESkillIndia) March 1, 2025
Under the aegis of MSDE and implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and in joint partnership with NITI Ayog, Swavalambini aims to establish a structured and stage-wise entrepreneurial journey for young women.
Following its successful introduction across several HEIs in the Eastern region, including IIT Bhubaneswar and Utkal University in Odisha; North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong; Kiang Nangbah Government College, Jowai and Ri Bhoi College in Meghalaya; Mizoram University; Government Champhai College, Champhai and Lunglei Government College in Mizoram; Handique Girls’ College, Guwahati; Dispur College and Gauhati University in Assam, among others, Swavalambini is now being expanded to other regions of India.
The event marked the virtual launch of Swavalambini in Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Hyderabad, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
Salient features of Swavalambini
- The participants will be taken through various stages—awareness-building, skill development, mentorship, and funding support.
- The programme begins with an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), a two-day workshop designed to introduce 600 female students to fundamental entrepreneurial concepts, market opportunities, and essential business skills.
- The Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), a 40-hour training session for 300 selected students, covering business development, finance access, market linkages, compliance, and legal support.
- A six-month mentorship and handholding support system will help participants transform their ideas into sustainable business ventures.
- A Faculty Development Programme (FDP) in which faculty from HEIs undergo a five-day training session to equips the educators with the skills to mentor and guide aspiring women entrepreneurs.
- Swavalambini will recognise and reward successful women entrepreneurs emerging through the ‘Award to Rewards’ initiative.
- The programme will leverage workshops, seed funding, and structured mentoring to support the growth of women-led enterprises.
- Swavalambini initiative aspires to see at least 10% of the EDP-trained participants establish successful enterprises.
Two MoU signed
The NIESBUD has signed two MoUs with the Skills Development Network (SDN), an Indian Trust registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulations) Act, 2010 and implementing partner of Wadhwani Foundation in India; and with Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, to hone entrepreneurial skills, develop curricula, and promote self-employment through training, workshops, and incubation support.
WEF2025 report launched
Jayant Chaudhary also launched a report on his participation at the World Economic Forum 2025—”Leading with Vision For Skills And Innovation, highlighting India’s transformative advancements in skill development and innovation.