Chapter introduction Preamble

7.3 Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC)

This Scheme was launched with a view to encourage students in AICTE approved Polytechnics and Degree Technical institutions to consider self-employment as a career option, provide training in entrepreneurship through modular courses and increase the relevance of management particularly in the non-corporate and under-managed sectors.

The objectives of the Scheme are as follows:

1. 
   To create an environment for self-employment and entrepreneurship development through formal and non-formal programmes.
   
2. 
   To introduce the concept of entrepreneurship in curricula at diploma and degree levels.
   
3. 
   To develop management personnel at appropriate levels for the non-corporate and un-organized sectors like education, rural development, small-scale industry etc.
   
4. 
   To utilize the infrastructure facilities and technically trained manpower for development of non-corporate and unorganized sectors.
   
5. 
   To promote employment opportunities.
   

With a view to fulfill the above needs, Entrepreneurship Development Cells have been established by AICTE in various institutions and universities. The activities that are visualized at the EDCs include Entrepreneurship Development/Awareness Programmes, Continuing Education, Skill Development Programmes, Quality Assurance, Support Facility for Entrepreneurship as a career option, Curricula Input on establishment of an enterprise & its management, Solutions for small business management & entrepreneurs and training & retraining of entrepreneurs.

During the period 2007-2008, the Council received 90 proposals under EDC scheme. These proposals were evaluated as per the approved procedure by expert committee duly constituted by the Council. Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, 16 new Entrepreneurship Development Cells were set up and an amount of Rs.120.70 lakhs were released under the EDC scheme. The list of new Entrepreneurship Development Cells set up during 2007-08 is placed at Appendix 7.2.