MSDE Implements Multiple Initiatives To Promote Entrepreneurship Under PMKVY 4.0, Says Jayant Chaudhary

New Delhi, Feb 12 (KNN) The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has undertaken a series of initiatives in 2025 to promote self-employment, enterprise creation and sustainable livelihoods, particularly among youth, women, SHGs and aspiring micro-entrepreneurs, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha.

The initiatives are aligned with the Skill India Mission under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0), PM JANMAN, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

Through its autonomous bodies, National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), the Ministry is implementing Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) and Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programmes (ESDPs). 

These programmes provide entrepreneurial, financial and managerial skills along with mentorship, handholding, credit access, market linkages and incubation support.

Under PMKVY 4.0, emphasis is being placed on entrepreneurship-oriented skill courses with On-the-Job Training (OJT). The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has been launched as a one-stop platform integrating skilling, education, employment and entrepreneurship services, including access to jobs, apprenticeships and loan facilities.

In FY 2025–26, projects under PMKVY 4.0 have been approved with a target of 41,600 candidates across entrepreneurship-linked job roles such as Street Food Vendor, Dairy Farmer Entrepreneur and Livestock Green Management Promoter.

Sector-Specific Interventions

The Ministry has prioritised sectors such as dairy, green hydrogen, handloom, processed food, rooftop solar, fair price shops and empowerment of the transgender community. 

Measures include credit and market linkages, enterprise formalisation, digital adoption and convergence with MSME institutions and National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

As of January 15, 2026, PM JANMAN has trained 38,386 beneficiaries and operationalised 489 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras across 15 states. Under the Fair Price Shop programme, 315 owners have been trained and 91 shops converted into Jan Poshan Kendras.

Since February 2025, Swavalambini has trained 302 women and helped set up 11 enterprises, while PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has trained 24,497 beneficiaries, leading to 740 enterprises. 

Under DAJGUA, 6,649 beneficiaries have received entrepreneurship training, with 30 EDCs operational in the North East, 677 mentors trained and 150 entrepreneurs incubated. Additionally, five EDP batches for transgender persons have trained about 125 participants, with nearly 20 per cent starting enterprises.

Support From MSME And DPIIT

The Ministry of MSME informed that under PMEGP, 54,648 micro enterprises were assisted in FY 2025–26 (till January 31, 2026), with Rs 2,139.10 crore margin money subsidy disbursed and estimated employment generation of 4.37 lakh.

Under the Startup India initiative, DPIIT has recognised 2,07,135 startups as on December 31, 2025. Funding support is being extended through Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).

The Minister stated that these coordinated efforts aim to strengthen India’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, promote enterprise-led growth and enhance livelihood opportunities across sectors.

(KNN Bureau)