Relevance: GS-3: Indian Economy, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

Key Phrases: MSME, Integrated Rural Development Programme, Skilling and entrepreneurship, jugaad, entrepreneurial culture, SAMRIDH scheme, Start-up India Seed Fund, ASPIRE.

Why in News?

• The entrepreneurial culture is vital to give MSMEs and jobs a boost.

Context:

• The Integrated Rural Development Programme, which was initiated in the late 1970s and implemented across the country, was the most discussed enterprise development programme for those at the bottom of the pyramid. An asset was created by a bank loan and supported by a capital subsidy from the government.
• Programmes of this genre are being implemented by governments ever since. As a public policy, government intervention is appropriate as it must engage with the workforce since formal jobs in both public and private sectors are few. Such programmes could be more successful when our society celebrates entrepreneurs and inspires its citizens to consider choosing the path of entrepreneurship. Our aspiration of being on the world stage can become a reality only when entrepreneurship is cherished, valued and enterprises — small and big — power our economy.

How to bring Entrepreneurial Culture?

• Skilling and entrepreneurship development is the best option and micro industries could absorb the workforce from agriculture if strategised well. Here are a few ideas to imbue our society with an entrepreneurial culture.
• First, entrepreneurship is a mindset, and its orientation must begin in schools and colleges. Education typically is essentialism, whereas entrepreneurship is existentialism. Essay writing competitions on the subject every year across the country will create the necessary buzz. Calling for nominations in various categories and felicitating successful entrepreneurs can get our society thinking about entrepreneurship. High school students must be encouraged to test their business ideas.
• Second, India is a sub-continent and product requirements vary across regions. About 70 per cent of the products consumed in rural areas are produced locally. Characterising and improvising such products are necessary to instill the idea of excellence and remove the thought of jugaad. This transformation in local markets can propel exports to domestic and foreign markets. ‘One District One Product’ initiative is in this direction.
• Third, skilling must be contextualised to local needs, as opposed to general skilling like a BA or BSc course. Entrepreneurship must be institutionalised through NSDC like mechanisms.
• Fourth, boys and girls in rural schools know their ecosystem well and they should be taught elements of design and light engineering which can lead them to create enterprises. To illustrate, India’s is mainly small-holder agriculture, but we don’t have enough ergonomically designed tools and implements for the small farmer. ‘Atal Tinkering Labs’ can complement this idea.
• Fifth, the creation of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2014, was a momentous decision. The ministry has gained considerable understanding of this area through several initiatives like skill gap assessment and skilling programmes. Our ITIs and tool rooms gave us valuable learnings on skilling. It’s time now to start ‘vocational schools’ as these can promote entrepreneurial culture. To get these started, banks and industry (through the CSR channel) can be invited to participate.
• Sixth, an enterprise requires a complete gamut of services — legal, finance, accounts, business-related manpower, machinery, etc. Making available these resources through a common pool will give a big boost to entrepreneurship.

Source: The Hindu BL 

Mains Question:

Q. Identify the core problems related to Entrepreneurial Culture in India. Suggest measures to solve these problems. Comment.