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Harnessing Entrepreneurial Potential for
Growth in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, rich in natural resources and strategically located in central India, is emerging
as a key entrepreneurship destination. The state is focused on creating opportunities to
foster entrepreneurship. Its growing young population is cultivating a thriving ecosystem
for entrepreneurial innovations. With these advantages, Chhattisgarh is well-positioned to
play a significant role in propelling India's entrepreneurial aspirations. EDII-Chhattisgarh
Centre for Entrepreneurship Development in Raipur, an initiative of the Department of
Industries & Commerce, Chhattisgarh and EDII, focuses on nurturing entrepreneurial
culture in Chhattisgarh by developing skills, knowledge and mindset across a wide range of
individuals. In February and March, some significant activities were undertaken.
On March 1st, 2025, the Chhattisgarh Industry Dialogue was organized by Department of
Commerce & Industries, Govt. of Chhattisgarh. During the event, certificates were
distributed to five selected trainees from Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes, which
were conducted between December 2024 to February 2025 under the aegis of the EDII-
Chhattisgarh Entrepreneurship Development Centre. This initiative was a joint effort of
Dept. of Commerce and Industries, Govt. of Chhattisgarh and EDII.
Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Ji, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh addressing the delegates. Also present
were: (L – R) Ms. Ankita Pandey, Director, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India; Shri Rajat Kumar, (IAS)
Secretary, Dept. of Commerce & Industries; Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan Ji, Hon'ble Minister,
Commerce & Industries, Govt. Of Chhattisgarh; Shri Amitabh Jain, (IAS) Chief Secretary, Govt. of
Chhattisgarh; Shri Subodh Singh, (IAS) Principal Secretary of CM, Govt. of Chhattisgarh and Dr.
Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.
Also present at the event were Shri Vishwesh Kumar, (IFS) Managing Director, Chhattisgarh
State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC), Govt. of Chhattisgarh; Shri Alok Trivedi,
Joint Secretary, Dept. of Commerce & Industries, Chhattisgarh; Shri Pravin Shukla,
Additional Director, State Investment Promotion Board, Dept. of Commerce & Industries,
Chhattisgarh and the EDII team at Chhattisgarh.
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Dr. Sunil Shukla addressing
the delegates on EDII’s
interventions in promoting
MSMEs, entrepreneurship
and innovative startups in
Chhattisgarh.
The event covered some of the significant topics against the backdrop of entrepreneurship
and industry. Shri Rajat Kumar ji, Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industries, Govt. of
Chhattisgarh shared insightful information on the topic - Advancing Industries: Recent
Reforms & Achievements. Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Ji threw light on the
advancements on the entrepreneurial landscape in Chhttisgarh. The event also saw the
launch of the Programme - Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP). Dr. Sunil
Shukla highlighted the strategic advantages of the State that make it an economic
powerhouse and brought forth how EDII was committed to escalating the levels of
entrepreneurship among the people.
On February 11th, 2025, two
Self-Help Group (SHG)
enterprises, Sanskriti
Boutique & Karigari and
Unnati Creations were
inaugurated at NTPC Sipat,
Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The
event was organized and
coordinated by the Sangwari
Mahila Samiti, the CSR
Department of NTPC Sipat
and EDII.
The guests present at the event included Shri Promod Kumar Sahu, Additional General
Manager (HR-CSR), NTPC Delhi; Shri Anil Shankar Sharan, General Manager Operation &
maintenance NTPC Sipat ;Smt. Kiran Singh, President, Sanyukta Mahila Samiti; Smt. Ayesha
Mishra, President, Arpita Mahila Samiti; Smt. Sadhna Pandey, President, Sangwari Mahila
Samiti; Smt. Anupama Shrivastava, President, Priyadarshini Ladies Club; Ms. Sheeba
Roberts, Asst. Faculty, EDII and other senior members.
Additionally, a 2-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) under Chhattisgarh
Entrepreneurship Development Centre was held on February 24 & 25, 2025. This joint
Initiative of Dept. of Commerce & Industries, Govt. of Chhattisgarh & EDII took place at
Govt. J. Yoganandam Chhattisgarh College, Raipur. The programme sensitized 145 students
of the benefits of adopting entrepreneurship as a career.
EDII's interventions under the aegis of the EDII-Chhattisgarh Entrepreneurship
Development Centre, aim at complementing the state's efforts through focused activities,
to bring about skilled, self-motivated and action-driven set of people from across target
groups, such as women, youths, farmers, disadvantaged sections, professionals etc. Diverse
activities are being undertaken towards achievement of these goals.
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