HT Bureau
DIPHU, Feb 26: In a major push to fortify the entrepreneurial landscape of Northeast India, the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) has officially launched a specialised Training of Trainers (ToT) programme. This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), aims to build a high-caliber cadre of Master Trainers and Facilitators dedicated to grassroots economic transformation.
The 15-day residential programme, which commenced on February 25, was virtually inaugurated by Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). The launch saw participation from high-ranking officials, including Hena Usman (Joint Secretary, MSDE) and Pritam Dutta (Director, MSDE & IIE), signalling a unified commitment to regional development.
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The programme is a critical component of the MSDE–MoRD Convergence Framework, designed to synchronise skill development with rural livelihood goals. By professionalising 100 Master Trainers and 900 Facilitators, the initiative seeks to create a “force multiplier” effect across the eight Northeastern states.
These trained professionals will provide hands-on mentorship to women entrepreneurs under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which targets a sustainable annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh for rural women through diversified micro-enterprises.
The initial batch includes 32 participants from Assam and Tripura. Aligned with National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) standards, the programme blends entrepreneurial theory with practical business competencies.
Training modules include behavioural simulations, financial workshop-style calculations, digital onboarding and field-based enterprise mapping. Participants will undergo rigorous field assessments by IIE and State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) officials.
“This convergence is about more than just training; it’s about creating a robust, professional ecosystem that supports the last-mile entrepreneur. We are building the infrastructure that will allow rural innovation to thrive,” stated Prasanta Goswami, Course Director at IIE.
Beyond traditional business management, the ToT curriculum emphasises digital onboarding—ensuring that the next generation of Northeastern entrepreneurs is equipped to navigate the modern digital economy. By the end of the 2025–26 fiscal year, the programme aims to have a certified pool of experts ready to scale enterprise promotion across the region.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in accelerating inclusive growth and ensuring that the entrepreneurial potential of the Northeast is fully realised through structured support and expert mentorship.
