Over 3.13 lakh enterprises supported under Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme: Centre
New Delhi, Dec 7 – A remarkable initiative under the government’s Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) has offered support to a staggering total of 3,13,464 enterprises. This program stands as a testament to the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across the nation.
In a recent briefing at the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, disclosed the financial support provided so far. The releases amount to Rs 561.13 crore as part of the central share to states and Union Territories under the SVEP.
SVEP has been given the nod to proceed in 429 blocks throughout 31 states and Union Territories, including Puducherry. Among these, in 280 blocks, detailed project reports have been sanctioned, enabling the commencement of program implementation.
Programme Achievements and Economic Impact
A mid-term review conducted during 2018-19 by the Quality Council of India (QCI) revealed the program’s efficacy in meeting its goals. Impressively, about 82 percent of entrepreneurs supported through SVEP are from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Class categories. Moreover, 75 percent of the enterprises are owned and managed by women, showcasing significant strides in promoting inclusivity and female entrepreneurship.
The economic impact of the SVEP is notable, as nearly 57 percent of the total household income of beneficiaries is sourced from enterprises promoted under the program. Minister Pemmasani highlighted that the average gross income of these entrepreneurs surpasses the income they initially aspired to when starting their ventures.
Remarkably, 96 percent of entrepreneurs have reported an increase in savings since participating in SVEP. Additionally, 70 percent of those interviewed found it relatively easy to secure loans from the Community Enterprise Fund (CEF), which is a component of the program designed to offer financial support.
To enhance learning and exchange of ideas, exposure visits are organized for entrepreneurs. These visits facilitate interaction and cross-learning within various community institutions, offering a platform for shared experiences and knowledge exchange.
Program Structure and Goals
SVEP is a sub-scheme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aiming to empower self-help groups (SHGs) and their family members by supporting the establishment of small enterprises within the non-farm sector. The scheme is strategically designed to operate on a block level for a span of four years.
The scheme received its approval on May 6, 2015, following which state governments were invited to submit their action plans for its implementation during the 2015-16 period. This program exemplifies concerted efforts to bolster grassroots entrepreneurship and enhance livelihoods in rural areas.
Through initiatives such as SVEP, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth and development at the community level.
