Empowering Entrepreneurship Through SCKs: SIDBI Opens Swavalamban Connect Kendra’s In Nagaland
Kohima: SIDBI, in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland, is set to establish Swavalamban Connect Kendras (SCKs) across 16 districts of Nagaland, aimed at catalyzing a transformation in the entrepreneurial landscape of the state. These initiatives represent significant milestones in SIDBI’s endeavor to foster sustainable development in Nagaland, underpinned by a firm commitment to nurturing local talent and driving economic growth.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by the presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio, alongside dignitaries including Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI, Smt. Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries in the Nagaland government, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chief General Manager of SIDBI; and Dr. Aren, Senior Project Manager for Capacity Building, marked the commencement of these transformative endeavors.
Key initiatives unveiled during the event included the launch of the Swavalamban Connect Kendra (SCK) in Kohima, designed as comprehensive hubs to support aspiring entrepreneurs in transitioning from job seekers to job creators. Through services encompassing awareness campaigns, skills mapping, credit facilitation, and post-handholding support, these centers aim to empower and guide entrepreneurs towards sustainable business ventures.
The collaborative efforts between SIDBI and IDAN, an agency established under the Government of Nagaland, will oversee the establishment of 16 SCKs across all districts of the state, thus catering to the diverse needs of aspiring entrepreneurs and unlocking the potential of the youth to drive economic growth and job creation.
Furthermore, SIDBI announced sports scholarships to empower the youth and foster innovation-driven enterprises in Nagaland, demonstrating its commitment to holistic development. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SIDBI and IDAN was also signed, signaling a strategic partnership to launch various initiatives aimed at enhancing the startup ecosystem in Nagaland.
The imperative for these interventions arises from the necessity of equipping individuals with the requisite skills and resources to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Nagaland. Through these initiatives, SIDBI reaffirms its dedication to harnessing the entrepreneurial potential of Nagaland, thereby propelling the state towards a prosperous and inclusive future.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann reiterated SIDBI’s steadfast support for the entrepreneurial aspirations of Nagaland’s youth and the broader Northeast region. He underscored the transformative impact of access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages on fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. Additionally, he highlighted the pipeline of forthcoming projects aimed at advancing socio-economic diversity and development in the Northeastern regions.
Smt. Hekani Jakhalu emphasized the pivotal role of entrepreneurship in fostering economic resilience and social empowerment. She stressed the importance of collaborative endeavors between the government, private sector, and civil society in creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurial success. Expressing gratitude to SIDBI for its support, she highlighted the significance of grassroots-level empowerment in driving socio-economic progress within the state.