Page 21 - EDII Report 125

Skilling to Build Competencies
...Project SPARK supported by Xiaomi India
EDII REPORTS 125

Under the initiative, training and handholding is being extended to 200 beneficiaries across
19 villages. EDII is implementing the initiatives through its regional project office and a
Common Facility Center in Bidada, near Mandvi.

The beneficiaries are being given exposure through Entrepreneurship Awareness
Programmes (EAPs), Micro-Skill Preneurship Development Programmes (MSDPs), Industrial
Visits, and the networking with relevant organisations. Measures such as digital promotion,
participation in exhibitions, improved products and their packaging techniques etc are being
focussed upon to enhance their acceptance as micro-preneurs in the market.

At a glance
• 5 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmess (EAPs) organised at Bidada, Sukhpar Timbo,
Tragadi, and Shekhai villages.
• Over 273 artisans, farmers and fisherfolk sensitized.
• Training programmes customised to the needs of the target group for maximum impact.
• Artisan cards distributed to 22 artisans by TATA Power officials.
• 2 Micro-Skill Preneurship Development Programmes (MSDPs) organized in Modhva and Tragadi.
• New opportunities embraced by 54 beneficiaries, ranging from advanced fishing techniques to
introducing value-added products.

According to Dr. Raman Gujral, Project Director, “The project is focussed on empowering
marginalized communities, and this noble initiative Is indeed progressing well with
strategic initiatives, evolved with the participation of TATA Power senior officials. The
results are visible. Recently after the programme at Bidada, the beneficiaries exhibited new
products, which were highly appreciated.”

Improving the Well-Being of Persons with Disabilities...
...Project AASHRAY, supported by Kone Escalators & Elevators

Project Aashray has been especially designed to enhance determination and autonomy in
persons with disabilities so that they make use of opportunities and lead a life of fulfilment.
The Project is being implemented in parts of Maharashtra. The entire initiative has been
strategically planned to ensure that the beneficiaries are sensitized about the charms of
being an entrepreneur; the viable opportunities in which they can delve.

In the last three months, under the project, 2 Micro Skillpreneurship Development
Programmes have been organized in Jaykheda, Nashik and Nimgaon, Pune, in varied
domains. Alongside 1 Enterprise Growth Program have also been conducted to facilitate
enterprise growth through contemporary ways and approaches.

In all, 181 beneficiaries got trained from different regions of Maharashtra, including
Shelgaon, Redni, Nimgaon & Indapur (Pune), Jaykheda, Ambasan & Malegaon (Nashik).
The training focussed on enabling PwDs to set up own business. Apart from training them

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