New scheme to breed rural entrepreneurs launched in Karnataka

Imparting soft skills to compete with their urban counterparts and  a hand-holding system to allow the entrepreneurial spirit of rural youth to bloom, an innovative programme, Sanjeevini, was launched in the state on Wednesday by rural development and panchayat raj minister Jagadish shettar.

Shettar inaugurated Karnataka State Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society, the head office of Sanjeevini programme on Infantry Road.

Speaking on the occasion he said, the central government scheme would help alleviate poverty by providing skill training for rural youth to enhance their potential for getting employment in manufacturing and service sectors including BPOs.

The centre would also offer free consultancy services for those aspiring to set up their own enterprises and provide marketing assistance for their products and financial help for those who are struggling to mobilise capital for setting up the enterprises. The pilot programme has been launched in 20 taluqs spread in 5 districts of Belgaum, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Mysore and Tumkur.

The state has decided to implement Sanjeevini in a phased manner covering all districts in six-seven years, he said.

Amita Prasad, principle secretary, rural development and panchayat raj department expressed hopes that, the scheme would definitely improve the income levels in rural areas and contributes to the growth of state economy significantly.