Question : ASPIRE Scheme

(a) the salient features of the ASPIRE scheme along with the details of the number of Livelihood Business Incubation (LBI)/ Technology Business Incubation (TBI) centres set up/supported so far under the ASPIRE scheme across the country, State/UT-wise including Kerala and Gujarat;

(b) the details of the number of incubates trained under these centres so far along with its response, State/UT-wise including Gujarat;

(c) whether it is upto the set target and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the details of the funds released and utilized under this scheme since its inception across the country, State/UT-wise including Kerala;

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to make ASPIRE scheme more effective and expand its area of coverage; and

(f) whether the Government is planning/proposing to make some amendment under this scheme and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a): Government in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has launched a Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Agro Industry on 18th March 2015 with the objective to Promote entrepreneurship culture in India, create new jobs and reduce unemployment, grassroots economic development in rural areas, facilitate innovative business solution for un-met social needs and promote innovation to further strengthen the competitiveness of MSME sector. The scheme has the following components (i) Creation of a Technology Centres Network; (ii) Capacity Building including Awards, Surveys, Studies, Exposure Visits, Engagement of Consultants including Monitoring and Evaluation etc.; (iii) Support for setting up of Livelihood Business incubation Centres and Technology incubation Centres;(iv) Accelerator Workshops; and (v) a Fund of Funds (to be managed by SIDBI) for innovative financing for Enterprise creation. Details of the number of LBI/TBI centres sanctioned to the various States including Kerala and Gujarat is placed at Annexure-I.

(b): State/UT-wise details of the number of incubates trained under LBI as on 31.1.2018 including the State of Gujarat is placed at Annexure-II.

(c): There is no State/UT-wise target fixed for the scheme. Proposals as and when received are examined from time to time and proposals in all completeness are approved by the Scheme Steering Committee (SSC).

(d): State/UT-wise details of the funds approved and released under this scheme since its inception across the country, including the state of Kerala is placed at Annexure-III.

(e): There is no change in the area of coverage.

(f): There is no such plan.