The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) have launched Gramodyam, an entrepreneurship development programme aimed at supporting rural entrepreneurs across India.
The programme was launched by NABARD Chairman Dr. Shaji K V on the institution’s 45th Foundation Day. It will be implemented by NSDC under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Institute for Industrial Development (IID).
Gramodyam aims to identify, train and support aspiring entrepreneurs in rural areas through entrepreneurship training, mentoring, business planning, credit facilitation and market linkages. The programme will follow a hybrid model with digital and on ground outreach across states and union territories.
Participants will undergo assessments, counselling, skill training and mentoring before receiving support to set up their businesses. During the pilot phase, the programme aims to support around 4,000 rural entrepreneurs over the next three years.
The initiative will also facilitate access to credit by helping participants prepare project reports, apply for loans and connect with Regional Rural Banks and other financial institutions. It will also assist entrepreneurs in accessing relevant government schemes and incentives.
According to NABARD and NSDC, the programme will use NSDC’s digital platform to track participants from enrolment to enterprise creation, monitoring metrics such as training completion, enterprise creation, UDYAM and GST registrations, and business performance.
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