Plan for startup training with grant ₹5 lakh from IIE Guwahati, NEC Shillong
Shillong, Oct 2: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has made a presentation to the Central government about its efforts to in fostering skill development and entrepreneurship in the North-Eastern region.
The curriculum and objectives of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College (DDUCC), Wahiajer, NEHU prepared as per UGC guidelines for skill-based education were highlighted during a meeting between a NEHU delegation and Jayant Chaudhary, Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, during the latter’s visit to Shillong on Tuesday.
Achievements and future plans of DDUCC and its contributions to enhancing vocational and skill-based education in line with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) were explained to the minister by the NEHU delegation led by vice-chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla and Prof Sherwin May Sungoh.
Prof Sungoh, while briefing the minister, emphasised that the college aims to break down the social hierarchy associated with vocational education by integrating it into mainstream education.
By doing so, the college seeks to elevate the dignity of labor and empower disadvantaged communities, she said.
Prof Sungoh further elaborated that the college focuses on developing and commercializing traditional skills unique to the region, helping local communities achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Through targeted training programs, field visits, and hands-on collaboration with industries, the college has successfully enabled youth from rural areas, especially in the Jaintia Hills, to explore self-employment opportunities in sectors such as local industries, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
The VC Prof Shukla briefed the minister on the significant strides NEHU has made in promoting entrepreneurship through its recently inaugurated Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) in Shillong.
Established as part of the NEC-Sponsored Project, the EDC aims to foster innovation, encourage risk-taking, and nurture entrepreneurial ventures by students, faculty, and local communities. Prof. Shukla stated, “Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business; it’s about identifying opportunities, solving problems, and contributing to societal change.”
The EDC at NEHU has already hosted several faculty development programs and entrepreneurship awareness camps, creating a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship in the region.
The Minister appreciated these efforts, recognizing the importance of such initiatives in fulfilling the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
During the meeting, Prof Sungoh shared plans for future entrepreneurship awareness programs and boot camps. The best ideas from these camps will be selected for expert training, with participants having the opportunity to win a startup grant of Rs 5 lakh from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and NEC, Shillong.
These initiatives are designed to equip students and rural youth with skills that will help them transition from traditional agriculture-based livelihoods to modern, sustainable vocations.
The Minister expressed his support for NEHU’s initiatives, commending the university for its role in skill development and entrepreneurship in the North-East. He noted that such programmes are key to unlocking the potential of rural youth and creating pathways to economic independence and national development.
