Saturday, 14 September 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Higher Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that the entrepreneurship culture in Uttarakhand will be strengthened with the seed fund initiative. He said this whileThis statement was made while commending the 20 students selected from across the State to receive a seed fund of Rs 75,000 under the Devbhoomi Udymita Yojana (DUY).
Commenting about the seed fund, the project officer of DUY Avaneesh Khanna said that last year the department concerneed collaborated with the Higher Education department to offer a seed fund of Rs 75,000 to university and college students in the state for their entrepreneurial pursuits. This initiative elicited 653 applications for the seed fund and after careful consideration, 20 students were chosen to receive the fund this year, he added.
He further emphasised that that following an exhaustive selection process, a total of 20 outstanding students—comprising 11 girls and nine boys—were selected for their innovative business concepts. These concepts range from millet-based bakeries, Pahadi Pithiya and honey production to Kandali chutney, scented candles and organic cosmetic products, he said. Khanna also added that the received amount under the seed fund will not be required to be repaid by students to the government, similar to a loan.
Considering this, Rawat extended his congratulations to the selected candidates and stressed on the need for fostering young talent. He added that this seed fund is designed to empower students by furnishing them with the necessary financial backing to kickstart and scale their startups. This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication towards constructing a resilient entrepreneurial environment in the state, he said. Rawat further added that the selected students’ ideas were praised for not only showcasing their creativity but also offering potential to enhance local industries and sustainability. Initiatives like creating decorative items from recyclable materials and manufacturing natural, organic products demonstrate promise for both economic growth and environmental conservation, Rawat said. Additionally, secretary of Higher Education, Ranjit Kumar Sinha expressed his admiration for the students, emphasising that the seed funding would empower them to bring their ideas to life, facilitating the development of future entrepreneurial endeavours.
