Marking the 2nd Foundation Day of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Minister of State(I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  Rajiv Pratap Rudy has launched the Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana, MSDE's flagship scheme on entrepreneurship education and training.

The scheme spans over five years (2016-17 to 2020-21) with a project cost of Rs. 499.94 crore, and will provide entrepreneurship education and training to over 7 lakh students in 5 years through 3050 Institutes. It will also include easy access to information and mentor network, credit, incubator and accelerator and advocacy to create a pathway for the youth.

Speaking on the occasion Rudy said, with this the government has taken important strides to scale up entrepreneurship in the country. He said, Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana has national and international best practices of learning in entrepreneurship education.

He said, MSDE's two institutions dedicated to entrepreneur education and training - NIESBUD and IIE- have trained more than 7 lakh trainees including 2,600 persons from more than 125 countries in the field of entrepreneurial skills till date.

After becoming a part of this Ministry, these two institutes are now focusing on mentorship of budding entrepreneurs across the country. We have seen success so far and we are determined to create more opportunities of employment for our youth through this initiative," he further added.

(Continued on the next page)