The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all parts of the world, particularly those in rural areas. However, one group that has made a significant positive impact during this crisis is the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme’s (SVEP) Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs). These groups have been instrumental in providing support and relief to rural communities and vulnerable populations.
About the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme
The Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme is a special initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), which falls under the Ministry of Rural Development. The programme, in operation since 2016, aims to bring economic stability to rural areas by encouraging entrepreneurship and small businesses. As of August 2020, it has extended business support services and capital infusion to 153 blocks across 23 states.
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India as Technical Support Partner
The technical backbone of the SVEP is provided by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), based in Ahmedabad. The EDII, established in 1983, is an autonomous and non-profit institute. It is supported by major financial institutions such as the IDBI Bank Ltd., IFCI Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., and the State Bank of India (SBI). The EDII also maintains Entrepreneurship Development Centres in Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and other countries as directed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Aims and Features of SVEP
The overarching goal of the SVEP is to help the rural poor escape poverty by fostering entrepreneurship and supporting new enterprises until they become stable. The SVEP also seeks to create local community cadres for promoting enterprises. The programme primarily addresses three crucial pillars of rural start-ups: finances, incubation, and skill ecosystems. It encourages both individual and group enterprises in various sectors like manufacturing, trading, and service.
Activities Under the SVEP
The activities of the SVEP are strategically designed to stimulate rural enterprises. Several initiatives have been launched under the programme, including the development of Community Resource Persons-Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP). These individuals are local to the area and assist entrepreneurs in setting up rural enterprises. Another initiative is the Block Resource Center (BRC), which functions as a hub for enterprise-related information at the block level.
The Role of SHGs During Covid-19
During the Covid-19 pandemic, SHGs have played an essential role in mitigating its effects on vulnerable rural communities. Women’s SHGs have produced and distributed items such as masks, sanitizers, protective gear kits, and cleaning products throughout their regions. Some groups have also operated community kitchens, providing cooked meals for over 5.72 crore vulnerable community members. This has demonstrated the critical role that these groups play in their communities, especially during times of crisis.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024