Question : ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING

(a) whether the Government has launched/proposes to launch any special programme for entrepreneurial training to youth particularly to young women, SCs/STs for running and making success of small ventures;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by which the said programme is likely to be launched;

(c) whether the Government proposes to provide any stipend to undergoing trainees;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the entire expenditure on the said scheme would be borne by the Union Government;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) if not, the manner in which the expenditure is proposed to be met?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI MAHABIR PRASAD)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b),(c) & (d) Government of India, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched training programmes through its field institutions by reserving 22.5 percent in Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) and Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programmes (ESDPs) for SC, ST, Women and Physically Handicapped persons, as also giving them a stipend of Rs.500/- per candidate per month. Besides, this Ministry has decided that all SC, ST, Women and Physically Handicapped candidates who are trained in EDPs and ESDPs, other than the reserved 22.5 percent of programmes, shall also not have to pay any fees.

(e)& (f): Yes , Sir. A sum of Rs. 99.30 lakh will be utilized by the field institutes of the Ministry of MSME for this purpose from the Annual Plan allocation for the Ministry for the financial year 2007-08 under scheduled caste Sub Plan & Tribal Sub Plan

(g): Does not arise.