The Government of India recently announced a nationwide drive to provide free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to 10 lakh citizens, with a dedicated focus on village-level entrepreneurs. This ambitious initiative is being rolled out through the network of Common Services Centres (CSCs), which play a crucial role in delivering digital services across rural India.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, revealed details of the plan during the 10th anniversary of the Digital India programme and the 16th foundation day of the CSC network. The new programme aims to equip ordinary citizens, especially those from rural and remote areas, with cutting-edge skills that are now shaping the world of technology and employment.
In a significant move to empower the youth and promote self-reliance, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has transformed Uttar Pradesh into a model of entrepreneurship through its flagship Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas (MYUVA) Abhiyan. The initiative is being hailed as a national benchmark for enabling young individuals to become self-employed and build their own businesses.
Under the scheme, the government is not only encouraging entrepreneurship among the youth but also supporting them by offering interest-free, collateral-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh. This financial support is helping young entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality without the burden of traditional lending constraints. So far, over 53,000 loan applications have been approved, and nearly 40,000 youth have already received disbursements to launch their ventures. These micro and small enterprises are paving the way for economic self-sufficiency and job creation across the state.
Government schemes for entrepreneurs
Central government schemes are also significantly boosting rural entrepreneurship. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides collateral-free loans to small businesses and non-corporate enterprises. Stand-Up India Scheme offers loans to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs for setting up greenfield enterprises. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) provides interest-free loans and mentorship to rural startups and self-employed youth.
How CSR initiatives support entrepreneurs in India
Major problems faced by rural entrepreneurs in India include a severe lack of access to finance, inadequate infrastructure like roads and electricity, limited market access, a shortage of skilled talent and training, intense competition, difficulty in obtaining government support and complying with legal formalities, and the exploitation by middlemen.
CSR initiatives are significantly boosting entrepreneurship in India, particularly among women and rural communities. Several CSR initiatives are supporting rural entrepreneurs in India, focusing on empowering women, promoting sustainable agriculture, and providing access to finance and markets.
For example, She Leads Bharat – Udyam, Mastercard’s CSR initiative, in partnership with Frontier Markets and Airtel Payments Bank, has empowered over 100,000 women entrepreneurs across India, aiming to reach one million by 2030. This programme provides essential products, services, and financial tools to women entrepreneurs. Women participating in the program have seen a threefold increase in income over six months, with average monthly earnings of Rs 1,300 through sales on the Meri Saheli platform.
‘Digital Saksham’ empowers over 300,000 Indian small businesses with digital transformation
Digital Saksham, a Mastercard Strive programme implemented by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has reached 304,623 enterprises nationwide, enabling 51,455 businesses to adopt digital technologies. Supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Mastercard Strive is a global program focused on enabling small businesses to thrive in the digital economy.
Designed to help small businesses overcome barriers to technology adoption, the programme has equipped entrepreneurs with essential skills and tools to improve efficiency, expand market access and build long-term resilience. While CII has led industry outreach, the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth, through Mastercard Strive, has anchored the initiative as part of its commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth in the country.
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