Bengaluru: Large and Medium Industries Minister Murugesh R Nirani on Wednesday Nov 17 promised to extend all possible assistance to promote women entrepreneurs in Karnataka, including concessions for women from weaker sections.
Addressing women entrepreneurs during the 38th anniversary and award ceremony of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE) here, Nirani said women-owned enterprises are growing significantly leading to their economic empowerment.
“Today India has 13.5-15.7 million women-owned enterprises, representing 20 per cent of all enterprises. Accelerating quantity and quality of entrepreneurship towards such benchmarks can create over 30 million women-owned enterprises, of which 40 per cent can be more than self-employment. Women entrepreneurs inspire other women to start businesses leading to more job creation for women,” Nirani said.
Mentioning various government initiatives such as Mudra Yojana, Annapurna Scheme, Dena Shakti, TREAD (Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance & Development), Udyogini, Women Skill Training Programme, Samrudhi and Dhanasree schemes, Nirani urged budding women entrepreneurs to make use of these schemes.
“Our ‘Udyami Aagu, Udyoga Needu’ programme is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among the youth. Karnataka is the first state to announce exclusive industrial parks dedicated to women in Mysuru, Dharwad, Kalaburagi and Harohalli. I’m glad to note that many women in our state are turning into successful employers and providing jobs to many other women. We believe that empowering our women is like empowering our society,” Nirani expressed.
The Minister lauded AWAKE for creating a platform to honour successful women entrepreneurs and helping women with entrepreneurial aspirations to excel in the changing business ecosystem.
