BANGALORE (India CSR): In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering marginalized communities across Karnataka, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), has launched a three-year skill development program to support 3,600 individuals, including youth, women, SC/ST communities, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
This initiative, a key part of HAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, focuses on entrepreneurship promotion and skill development, ensuring economic self-reliance for disadvantaged groups in Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Bangalore Rural.
A Focus on Skill Development and Enterprise Support
The Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programmes (MSDPs) provide comprehensive technical training in industries with strong income potential, ensuring that participants gain employable skills and entrepreneurial knowledge.
Key focus areas include:
- Agriculture and food processing – Training in modern farming techniques, organic food processing, and agri-business development.
- Sericulture and jute bag manufacturing – Creating employment opportunities in sustainable fabric and textile industries.
- Beauty care and multipurpose mechanical trades – Providing practical skills for self-employment in urban and rural markets.
Beyond skill-building, the program includes mentorship, access to credit, market linkages, and enterprise promotion, enabling participants to start and sustain their own businesses.
Fostering Self-Sufficiency and Economic Independence
According to Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, the program aims to empower individuals with the necessary skills, business acumen, and financial support to achieve self-reliance.
“Through a structured approach, we provide beneficiaries with training, mentorship, and enterprise promotion guidance. By combining technical knowledge with practical skills, we ensure that individuals are not only equipped for employment but can also become independent entrepreneurs. This initiative fosters sustainable livelihoods and breaks cycles of dependency.”
The program aligns with the “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” initiatives, boosting local economies and creating long-term employment opportunities.
Tangible Impact: 3,400 Individuals Trained, 580 Enterprises Established
The Dhanvantri initiative has already made significant progress:
- 137 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs have been conducted, educating thousands on business development and financial literacy.
- 83 advanced skill training sessions have provided participants with industry-relevant expertise.
- Over 3,400 individuals have been trained, with 580 new enterprises successfully launched.
- Beneficiaries have reported an average income increase of 10%, contributing to stronger local economies.
The initiative also supports the establishment of training-cum-production centers in sectors like fashion technology, jute manufacturing, and food processing, ensuring continuous skill enhancement and access to infrastructure.
EDII’s Approach: A Model for Sustainable Development
Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Department of Projects, EDII, highlighted the organization’s role in designing tailored skill development programs for underprivileged communities.
“EDII’s strength lies in its structured training approach that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. By integrating mentorship, networking, and enterprise guidance, we help individuals turn their entrepreneurial aspirations into sustainable businesses. Our focus on marginalized communities ensures that those with limited access to resources receive the support they need.”
The program is customized to regional needs, ensuring that training modules address specific socio-economic challenges faced by beneficiaries.
Breaking Barriers and Creating Sustainable Livelihoods
According to A. L. N. Prasad, Programme Director, EDII, the MSDP program is designed to bridge the gap between skills and employment opportunities.
“Many individuals from marginalized communities struggle to access resources, training, and financial support. Our program provides enterprise promotion assistance, credit access, and market linkages, ensuring that beneficiaries can launch and sustain their businesses successfully.”
With a strong mentorship component, the initiative is nurturing first-generation entrepreneurs and creating sustainable employment ecosystems in rural Karnataka.
A Vision for Long-Term Growth and Empowerment
The collaboration between HAL and EDII showcases how corporate responsibility and structured skill development can drive social transformation.
By training thousands of individuals, supporting micro-businesses, and fostering entrepreneurship, this initiative is empowering communities to break free from economic limitations and build a brighter future.
As this program expands over the next three years, it will continue to equip individuals with the confidence, skills, and resources needed to thrive, reinforcing HAL’s commitment to sustainable development and economic inclusivity.
(India CSR)
