The Northeast region of India is set to experience a transformative shift in entrepreneurship and skill development with the inauguration of 30 Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) by Hon’ble Minister Jayant Chaudhary at the Northeast Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Conclave 2024, hosted at IIM Shillong. This event marks a milestone in the “Act First for Northeast” initiative, aimed at harnessing the region’s potential through collaborative efforts.
Minister Chaudhary articulated a vision of resurgence, stating, “Our North-Eastern States have experienced a resurgence, reclaiming their position of prominence.” The conclave brought together leaders, industry experts, and academicians to discuss pathways for regional cooperation and innovation, focusing on upgrading Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and enhancing the training framework to meet market demands.
With plans to establish four Incubation Centers (ICs) and implement a series of entrepreneurship programs, the initiative aims to empower youth, create 900 startups, and nurture local craftsmanship. The Skill India Mission, with over 13.40 lakh candidates trained and ₹857.84 crore allocated since 2015, underscores the government’s commitment to the Northeast’s growth.