The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme was officially launched on March 2, 2025, at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, marking a significant stride toward enhancing women entrepreneurs' roles throughout India. This initiative, developed under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) alongside NITI Aayog, aims to empower female students within higher education institutions (HEIs) by equipping them with the requisite entrepreneurial mindset, resources, and mentorship necessary to create and develop their businesses.
During the launch, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, articulated the program's objectives, stating, "The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme is aimed at empowering young women with the skills and confidence needed to establish their own businesses. Women’s empowerment is not just an economic necessity but a social transformation. When a woman is empowered, she uplifts her family, her community, and the entire nation." This perspective highlights the broader societal changes projected from elevatings women's roles within the economy.
The multi-faceted program comprises structured training stages beginning with the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP), which is slated to introduce around 600 female students to fundamental entrepreneurship concepts over two days. Following this initial phase is the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), which extends for 40 hours and aims to hone the skills of 300 selected participants. This advanced training covers integral business aspects such as financial management, market linkage, compliance requirements, and legal support.
For sustainable success, Swavalambini integrates mentorship as part of its six-month support system, aiding participants as they transition from business ideation to viable enterprise creation. The initiative also accounts for improving educational infrastructure through the Faculty Development Programme (FDP), where faculty from participating HEIs will develop skills to mentor aspiring women entrepreneurs effectively.
Recognizing successful women entrepreneurs will be part of the initiative through the "Award to Rewards" initiative, which not only provides acknowledgment but aims to motivate future generations of women entrepreneurs. This landmark program seeks to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting the establishment of at least 10% of EDP-trained participants as successful business owners.
Since its inception, Swavalambini has already made its mark across several HEIs, including IIT Bhubaneswar and North-Eastern Hill University, and now extends to major institutions such as Banaras Hindu University, the University of Hyderabad, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University. The virtual launches across these universities signify the program’s commitment to widespread implementation.
On this occasion, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed. The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) renewed its collaboration with the Skills Development Network (SDN), which is registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act, to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and develop relevant curricula. This partnership is expected to lead to enhanced self-employment opportunities among young women across the country.
Shri Chaudhary also highlighted his participation at the World Economic Forum 2025 during the event, launching the report "LEADING WITH VISION FOR SKILLS AND INNOVATION." This booklet showcases India's progress in skill development and the nation's aspirations to align with future job market demands.
The launch of Swavalambini at Chaudhary Charan Singh University paves the way for unprecedented growth and participation of women within India’s entrepreneurial fabric. By fostering innovation, mentorship, and access to resources, the program is poised to invigorate women's roles as business leaders, innovators, and change agents across the nation.
With the outreach and significant government commitment, Swavalambini aims to redefine women's entrepreneurship, contributing to India's broader vision of economic development and self-reliance.