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Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 137 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 137

Women as Leaders and Technology Propellors
Transforming Tribal Livelihoods in Meghalaya

…Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) ...Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India

Supported Programme
The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) is a scheme launched by the Ministry of
Tribal Affairs, Government of India to develop value chains for Minor Forest-Based Women are across leadership and tech roles, making a notable contribution to growth and
Products (MFPs) and enhance the income of tribal communities by providing them with
innovation. To hone their skills further, EDII conducted a structured programme - the National
skills and building their capacities.
Training Programme on 'Women in Leadership & Technology Advancement', supported by
the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India during February 2 - 6, 2026. The
Under this scheme, tribal communities are encouraged to form clusters and engage in the
training programme was especially designed for Women Scientists and Technologists working
processing and value addition of forest-based products. They are supported with
with the Government Sector to address certain atypical gaps.
necessary infrastructure, tools & equipment along with training in value addition and
entrepreneurship. The scheme also provides market linkages through various channels, 26 women scientists and technologists from Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat,
helping communities in improving their income. Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and
West Bengal participated. With this, EDII successfully completed 20 such programmes,
In Meghalaya, EDII serves as the training and capacity building partner for 130 Van Dhan training 453 scientists and technologists. The programme aimed to create a holistic learning
Vikas Kendras (VDVKs). During the last two months, 20 Value Addition Training experience by helping participants strengthen their leadership skills, build confidence and
Programmes on Minor Forest-Based Products (MFPs) were conducted, benefiting 300 navigate complex professional environments. It focused on enabling them to discover and
participants. These programmes helped participants enhance the quality of their products embrace their leadership styles, while also connecting them to a diverse network.
and make them market-ready. Additionally, 2 Training of Trainers' (ToT) programmes were Throughout the programme, participants were exposed to wide ranging subjects, including
organized, where 55 VDVK members received training in Food & Agro Processing and gender sensitivity and equality in leadership, women in economic mainstream,
Branding & Packaging. understanding gender dynamics in leadership & technology, innovation and impact through
gender - inclusive leadership, leadership style & quality, role & importance of research and
These efforts are strengthening local capacities and enabling tribal communities to build development for technological advancement, innovation and technology, communication
sustainable livelihood opportunities. and interpersonal relations in leadership, to many a few. The curriculum was designed as an
all-inclusive one to promote personal and professional growth, informed Dr. Prakash Solanki,
Programme Director.

EDII takes the onus of playing a pivotal role in nurturing women leaders in science and
technology domains by empowering them with the skillsets.

Women Scientists and Technologists of the National Training Programme on Women in Leadership &
Participants of MFP Value Addition Training during their training.
Technology Advancement along with (8th from R) Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII and (7th from R)
Dr. Prakash Solanki, Associate Professor, EDII.

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